Helping Alberta farmers facing extreme moisture
News release
August 26, 2026 – Edmonton, AB – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Alberta and Canada governments made strategic changes to AgriStability to help agricultural producers manage business risks from wet conditions this season.
In recognition of excessive moisture conditions that have impacted many producers since the April 30 enrolment deadline, Alberta has opened late participation for the 2026 AgriStability program year. Alberta producers can now sign up for the program until October 1, giving them more time to review and manage business risks associated with extreme weather or other unexpected difficulties. Additionally, the 2026 interim payment rate has been increased from 50% to 75% of the estimated final payment. This change will put money in producers' hands sooner and improve cash flow during a challenging growing season.
In Alberta producers can sign up for AgriStability and access benefits through the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation. Farmers and ranchers who missed the April 30 deadline and believe they have experienced a significant loss are encouraged to take advantage of the late participation. Late participation is subject to a reduced benefit, and producers must pay the required upfront fee by October 1 to be able to be eligible for the 2026 program. Factors such as reduced income, increased expenses or reduced inventory are used to determine a potential benefit.
Quotes
"Each year, farmers make careful decisions to prepare for the upcoming growing season, but extreme weather can disrupt even the best plans. When that happens, we are proud to stand with producers by providing the flexibility they need to make the best decisions for their operations and remain resilient in the face of uncertainty."
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"These extreme wet conditions demonstrate that one growing season can look very different from the next, making it difficult for farmers to predict what risks their operations may face. Our government is committed to advocating for producers to make sure they have access to tools and programs that are timely, reactive and help them manage business risk in times of stress and uncertainty."
- Tara Sawyer, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
"We know many producers are facing incredibly challenging conditions this year with record levels of moisture leaving some unable to access their fields and complete essential farming activities. We've heard directly from producers about the significant stress and uncertainty these circumstances create. AgriStability is designed to provide whole-farm protection during situations like this, helping producers manage the financial impacts of events that are beyond their control and supporting the long-term resilience of their operations."
- Darryl Kay, CEO, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
Quick facts
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AgriStability is one of the Business Risk Management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
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AgriStability provides support when a producer's income margin falls below 70% of their historical average, covering 80 cents for every dollar of additional decline, up to a maximum payment of $3 million.
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A 20% reduction (penalty) applies to any AgriStability benefit for producers who enrol during the late participation period.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Jennica Klassen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Callum Reid
callum.reid@gov.ab.ca
780-691-7317
Press Secretary, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation