2019–20 Departmental Plan - Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

AgriAssurance program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program AgriAssurance program (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory Assurance Program
Description The Assurance Program provides support to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in its endeavour to prevent and control risk to the animal and plant resource base, provide safe food and meet new market demands for assurance. The program also provides funding to support the Canadian sector in identifying, developing, verifying, disseminating and utilizing assurance systems, standards and related tools.
Expected results

The expected results are:

To contribute to fostering public trust and building consumer confidence by funding industry to develop and adopt systems, standards and related tools that enable agriculture and agri-food producers and processors to make credible, meaningful and verifiable claims about the health and safety of Canadian agriculture products.

The performance indicators, which are used to measure relevance and effectiveness of the programming include:

  • Number of projects approved;
  • Number of projects completed; and
  • Percentage of assurance projects' implementation plans reported to be functioning.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016–17 Evaluation of Growing Forward 2 AgriMarketing Stream D: Assurance Systems (predecessor to the AgriAssurance Program).
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021–22
General targeted recipient groups Industry related.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Stakeholders were engaged as part of the Government's national consultations on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Planning information (dollars) AgriAssurance program (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 6,846,570 12,280,000 12,280,000 12,280,000
Total program 6,846,570 12,280,000 12,280,000 12,280,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years planned spending as program uptake was lower than anticipated. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

Agricultural Clean Technology program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program Agricultural Clean Technology program (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2021
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment
Description

The objective of the Agricultural Clean Technology Program is to promote sustainable growth in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector while helping drive the change required to achieve a low carbon economy, through investments in the areas of precision agriculture and agri-based bioproducts.

The program provides non-repayable contributions to provincial and territorial governments to support activities along the innovation continuum - from research and development to commercialization, demonstration and adoption – with the aim of accelerating and contributing to the advancement and adoption of clean technologies in Canadian agriculture.

Expected results

The expected results are an increased investment by provincial and territorial governments in clean technologies in the agriculture and agri-food sector, and increased development, demonstration, commercialization and adoption of clean technologies in agriculture.

The indicators used to measure the performance of the Agricultural Clean Technology Program in meeting these expected results are: the ratio of leveraged provincial and territorial investments against federal funding, and the number of agricultural clean technology projects that are supported through the Program.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation Not Applicable – new program
Decision following the results of last evaluation Not Applicable
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2022–23
General targeted recipient group Eligible recipients are provincial and territorial governments in Canada.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The provinces and territories will be engaged through videoconferences, teleconferences or other activities.
Planning information (dollars) Agricultural Clean Technology program
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 438,500 7,500,000 9,000,000 0
Total program 438,500 7,500,000 9,000,000 0

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years due to lower than anticipated program uptake at the launch of the program. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

Agricultural Disaster Relief program / AgriRecovery (Statutory)

Name of transfer payment program Agricultural Disaster Relief program / AgriRecovery (Statutory)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act)
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department’s Program Inventory AgriRecovery
Description

AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework that allows governments to work efficiently together to assess the impacts of disasters on Canadian producers and respond when needed with targeted, disaster-specific initiatives. Initiatives developed under the program are intended to help producers beyond the support available through existing programming to cover the extraordinary costs necessary to recover from a disaster event and resume business operations as quickly as possible.

Federal AgriRecovery website

Expected results

The expected results are:
Disaster-affected producers resume business operations and/or mitigate the impacts of the disaster as quickly as possible.

The performance indicator, which is used to measure relevance and effectiveness of the programming is:
Percentage of AgriRecovery recipients where AgriRecovery payments played an important role in their recovery from a disaster.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016–17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2023–24
General targeted recipient groups Payments under AgriRecovery initiatives are directed to agricultural producers including individuals, cooperatives, corporations, communal organizations, trusts and other entities that meet the requirements outlined in the terms and conditions for the program. Most AgriRecovery initiatives are delivered through provinces or territories (or their agents). Through a contribution agreement, the federal government cost shares the costs of delivery as well as program payments.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

The process for AgriRecovery begins when one or more provincial/territorial government(s) requests an assessment of a disaster event in writing. Once the request has been made, a joint federal and provincial/territorial task team conducts an AgriRecovery assessment. As needed, the task team consults with affected producers, industry representatives and other department/agency representatives (for example, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). The assessment looks at the impacts of the event on producers, the ability for them to recover quickly and the costs associated with those recovery activities as well as how existing programs will respond.

Generic information on the AgriRecovery Framework is available on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s website while the specifics on the initiatives are usually available on provincial/territorial governments’ websites.

Planning information (dollars) Agricultural Disaster Relief program / AgriRecovery (Statutory)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 3,400,000 118,513,335 118,513,335 118,513,335
Total program 3,400,000 118,513,335 118,513,335 118,513,335

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amount to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects statutory authority as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years planned spending as it reflects the number and scale of disaster recovery initiatives implemented in 2018–19. The potential number and scope of disasters is unpredictable from year to year and the level of statutory funding reflects that high variability. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

Agricultural Greenhouse Gases program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program Agricultural Greenhouse Gases program (Voted)
Start date September 1, 2010
End date Ongoing (subject to Minister's renewal every five years)
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2015–16 (Terms and conditions amended)
Link to department's Program Inventory Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program
Description The Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program helps organizations, academic institutions and other levels of government enhance the understanding and accessibility of agricultural technologies and beneficial management practices that can be adopted by farmers to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Research under this program aims to increase the understanding of the chemical, physical and biological processes that lead to greenhouse gas emissions (into the atmosphere) and nutrient losses (into surface water and groundwater) from agricultural systems.
Expected results

The expected results are:

  • Information products are available to share with farmers through technology transfer; and
  • Program recipients make greenhouse gases mitigation technologies and beneficial management practices available to farmers.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • The number of information products such as factsheets and brochures that are developed; and
  • The number of newly developed technologies and beneficial management practices that are demonstrated through field days and workshops.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20
General targeted recipient groups Non-profit, academic institutions, other levels of government (Provincial, Territorial and Municipal) and Indigenous groups.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communication efforts may include news conferences or news releases as well as partnership opportunities with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Global Affairs Canada to exploit international presence for Canada. In addition, field days and workshops will be carried out under this initiative by recipients of Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program funding.
Planning information (dollars) Agricultural Greenhouse Gases program
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 7,288,010 5,382,000 5,382,000 5,382,000
Total program 7,288,010 5,382,000 5,382,000 5,382,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending was developed using financial information from recipients' contribution agreements. It is higher than future years as recipients were planning to conduct more field work in 2018–19. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriInnovate program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program AgriInnovate program (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory AgriInnovate
Description

The AgriInnovate program accelerates the commercialization and adoption of innovative products and processes in the agricultural sector to increase sector competitiveness and sustainability. The program is intended to address both the financing gap present between moving agricultural, agri-food and agri-based research to commercialization, and to assist industry in mitigating the inherent risk in scaling-up products and processes.

The program provides repayable contributions to recipients.

Expected results

The expected results are:

  • Support for innovation-related activities involving the adoption or commercialization of products or processes is provided across the agriculture and agri-food sector;
  • Innovations in the agriculture and agri-food sector are generated and commercialized; and
  • The competitiveness and productivity of participating firms is increased.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • The number of participating firms that receive funding;
  • The number of technologies, products, practices and services that are demonstrated; and
  • The number of new technologies, products, practices, processes and services that enter the market.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2017–18
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2022–23
General targeted recipient groups For-profit organizations
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communications effort may include mail outs, news conferences or news releases.

Program clients are also being engaged through email, site visits, web presence, videoconferences, teleconferences or other outreach and project assessment and monitoring.

Additional efforts include broader industry engagement, including outreach to the series of Value Chain Roundtables, the Innovation and CleanTech Hub and other related industry associations.

Planning information (dollars) AgriInnovate Program (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 28,414,463 21,700,000 21,700,000 21,700,000
Total program 28,414,463 21,700,000 21,700,000 21,700,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is higher than future years due to excess demand that is planned to be expended using funds from undersubscribed programs. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriInsurance program (Statutory)

Name of transfer payment program AgriInsurance program (Statutory)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023 (AgriInsurance is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire on this date.)
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act)
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory AgriInsurance
Description

AgriInsurance provides Canadian producers with insurance coverage to reduce the economic impacts of production losses caused by adverse weather, crop diseases and other specified perils. AgriInsurance is a program that uses premiums to fund liabilities. Premiums are shared between governments and producers to ensure affordable coverage to producers, while administration costs are covered solely by governments. The commodities covered vary by province and continue to expand to cover new agricultural products.

For more information, visit the following websites:

Expected results

The expected results are:

  • Appropriate self-sustainably production insurance programs are offered to producers by provinces; and
  • Producers participate in the provincial Insurance Programs.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • Value of agricultural products eligible for insurance as a percentage of the value of all agricultural products produced (excluding livestock); and
  • Value of insured crop production as a percentage of the total value of all agricultural products eligible for insurance (excluding forage).
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016–17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021–22
General targeted recipient groups

Any province or its agent is the recipient for federal contributions under AgriInsurance.

The Ultimate Recipient of AgriInsurance are agricultural producers (participants) who choose to purchase actuarially sound insurance coverage for the commodities they produce, or who experience verifiable losses due to wildlife.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Business Risk Management programs are generally marketed to producers as a package. In advance of key program deadlines, direct mail and advertising are used by administrators to raise program awareness, encourage enrolment and compliance with participation requirements (for example, meeting key deadlines). The program website, toll-free number, and media relations supports the promotional campaigns. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works with provinces and with third party delivery agencies to ensure a coordinated communications approach and to ensure federal identity on cost-shared programs. The Department continues to build on the program websites as a key source of program information and on options for communicating information to program clients in order to support the Department's mandate to strengthen program service and delivery. Communication activities comply with the Official Languages Act requirements. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also works with the National Program Advisory Committee to engage its producers.
Planning information (dollars) AgriInsurance program (Statutory)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 650,000,000 623,000,000 623,000,000 623,000,000
Total program 650,000,000 623,000,000 623,000,000 623,000,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amount to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects statutory authority as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is higher than future years planned spending due to the mixture of crops insured under the program which included a larger percentage of higher value crops than anticipated. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriInvest program (Statutory)

Name of transfer payment program AgriInvest program (Statutory)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023 (AgriInvest is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire on this date.)
Type of transfer payment Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act)
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory AgriInvest
Description

AgriInvest encourages Canadian producers to set money aside which they can draw upon for any reason including to recover from income declines or to make investments to reduce on-farm risks. Under the program, governments provide matching contributions to producers who make annual deposits to an AgriInvest savings account.

For more information, visit the following websites:

Federal AgriInvest (except Québec)
AgriInvest in Québec (La Financière agricole du Québec)

Expected results

The expected result is:
Producers' capacity to deal with income losses is enhanced.

The performance indicator that is used to monitor and report on the program is:
Percentage of Canadian agricultural producers participating in the AgriInvest program.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016–17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021–22
General targeted recipient groups A province/territory or its agent that deliver the program as well as individuals, cooperatives, corporations, communal organizations, trusts and other entities that meet the conditions as outlined in the program guidelines.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Business Risk Management programs are generally marketed to producers as a package. In advance of key program deadlines, direct mail and advertising are used by administrators to raise program awareness, encourage enrolment and compliance with participation requirements (for example, meeting key deadlines). The program website, My Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Account, toll-free number, and media relations will support the promotional campaigns. The My Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Account allows producers to get up to date information on-line for their AgriInvest Account. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works with provinces and with third party delivery agencies to ensure a coordinated communications approach and to ensure federal identity on cost-shared programs. The Department continues to build on the program websites and My Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Account as key sources of program information and on options for communicating information to program clients in order to support the Department's mandate to strengthen program service and delivery. Communication activities comply with the Official Languages Act requirements. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also works with the National Program Advisory Committee to engage its producers.
Planning information (dollars) AgriInvest program (Statutory)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 165,511,000 122,910,000 122,910,000 122,910,000
Total contributions 21,615,000 16,550,000 16,550,000 16,550,000
Total program 187,126,000 139,460,000 139,460,000 139,460,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amount to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects statutory authority as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is higher than future years planned spending because 2018–19 is the last fiscal year where applications are processed under the parameters of the Growing Forward 2 framework which included higher allowable net sales and government matching limits. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriMarketing program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program AgriMarketing program (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory Trade and Market Expansion
Description The goal of the Trade and Market Expansion service is to increase agriculture and agri-food trade by maintaining, re-opening and expanding market access, advancing agricultural interests internationally, and helping the industry take advantage of market opportunities.  As part of Trade and Market Expansion, the AgriMarketing program provides matching non-repayable funding to industry to support industry-led market development activities that help the sector seize domestic and international opportunities, while leveraging Canada's reputation for high quality and safe food.
Expected results

The expected results are:
To maintain, increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities through industry-led promotional activities that differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada's reputation for high quality and safe food.

The performance indicators, which are used to measure relevance and effectiveness of the programming include:

  • Number of projects approved;
  • Number of market development activities supported; and
  • Value ($) of agriculture and agri-food exports.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2015–16
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20 Evaluability Assessment to determine forward evaluation work to be competed before 2023–24.
General targeted recipient groups Industry related
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Stakeholders were engaged as part of the Government's national consultations on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Planning information (dollars) AgriMarketing program (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 25,533,367 20,340,000 20,340,000 20,340,000
Total program 25,533,367 20,340,000 20,340,000 20,340,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is higher than future years due to excess demand that is planned to be expended using funds from undersubscribed programs. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriRisk Initiatives program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program AgriRisk Initiatives program (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory AgriRisk
Description

AgriRisk aims to increase the ability of Canadian producers to address risk by supporting research and development as well as the implementation and administration of new risk management tools for use in the agriculture sector. Under the program, governments provide financial assistance to facilitate the development and adoption of risk management tools, including insurance-based products.

For more information, visit:
AgriRisk Initiatives

Expected results

The expected results are:

  • Industry are developing and examining risk management tools and services that engage producers; and
  • Producers have adopted risk management tools and strategies beyond core Business Risk Management programs.

The performance indicators, which are used to measure relevance and effectiveness of the programming include:

  • Percentage of total program funds available that are committed under contribution agreements (Annual, $11 million); and
  • Percentage of Research and Development projects that result in either an Administrative Capacity Building project or the implementation of a new private or federal, provincial or territorial tool being available to producers to manage business risks.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2017–18
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2023–24
General targeted recipient groups

Research and Development projects:
Not-for-profit industry organizations representing agricultural and agri-business stakeholders, such as producer associations, commodity groups, and farm services associations; cooperatives, mutual insurance companies, reciprocals; academic institutions; and provincial and territorial governments.

Administrative Capacity Building projects:
Proponents of industry-led Administrative Capacity Building projects resulting from previously funded AgriRisk Initiatives Research and Development projects; proponents of industry-led Administrative Capacity Building projects where the research and development phase was funded from industry sources; proponents of not-for-profit and for-profit administrations delivering agricultural risk management tools; and provincial and territorial governments.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Information on the AgriRisk Initiatives program, as well as the eligibility criteria and application process, is available on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's website. The program website, toll-free number, and media relations supports the promotional campaigns.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works with provinces to ensure a coordinated communications approach and to ensure federal identity on cost-shared programs.

The Department continues to build on the program websites as a key source of program information and on options for communicating information to program clients in order to support the Department's mandate to strengthen program service and delivery. Communication activities comply with the Official Languages Act requirements. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also works with the National Program Advisory Committee to engage its producers.

Planning information (dollars) AgriRisk Initiatives program (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000
Total contributions 3,249,634 10,400,000 10,400,000 10,400,000
Total program 3,849,634 11,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years planned spending due to the mid-year launch under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriScience program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program AgriScience program (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory AgriScience
Description

The AgriScience program accelerates the pace of innovation in the sector by supporting industry-led research and development to increase market opportunities in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.

The program is delivered through two types of initiatives: the AgriScience – Clusters Component (Clusters) and the AgriScience – Projects Component (Projects).

Clusters are national in scope and bring together scientific expertise from industry, academia and government to collaborate to address multiple industry priorities of a specific commodity (such as wheat, beef, et cetera) or cross-cutting issues (for example, bioproducts, food processing).

Projects may be individually led research projects or a small group of projects that are national, regional or local in scope.

Expected results

The expected results are:

  • Support for science, research and innovation activities is provided across the agriculture and agri-food sector;
  • Industry participation in collaborative research, development and knowledge transfer is increased;
  • The agriculture and agri-food sector's knowledge base is increased;
  • Research and development supported innovations are generated and commercialized; and
  • The Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector is effective in transforming ideas into new products, processes or practices.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • The number of clusters and projects that receive funding;
  • Percentage of cluster and research projects that involve Research and Development collaboration;
  • The number of papers published in peer reviewed journals; and
  • The number of new technologies, products, practices, processes or systems that are utilized.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2017–18
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021–22
General targeted recipient groups For-profit and not-for-profit organizations
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communications effort may include mail outs, news conferences or news releases.

Program clients are engaged through email, site visits, web presence or other outreach, and through project assessment and monitoring.

Additional efforts include broader industry engagement, including outreach to the series of Value Chain Roundtables, companies and industry associations.

Planning information (dollars) AgriScience Program (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 29,260,274 36,755,000 36,755,000 36,755,000
Total program 29,260,274 36,755,000 36,755,000 36,755,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years due to the time necessary to perform due diligence on industry proposals and to negotiate contribution agreements in the first year of the program. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

AgriStability program (Statutory)

Name of transfer payment program AgriStability program (Statutory)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023 (AgriStability is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire on this date.)
Type of transfer payment Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act)
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory AgriStability
Description

AgriStability is intended to help Canadian producers to manage financial risks that threaten the viability of their farm by helping them protect their farm operations against large declines in farm income. Under the program, governments provide assistance when a producer's margin falls below seventy percent of their historical reference margin. All producers who derive income from the primary production of agricultural commodities are eligible to participate in the program.

For more information, visit the following websites:

Expected results

The expected result is:
Program responds to eligible producers' specific production/operation.

The performance indicator that is used to monitor and report on the program is:
Percentage of Canadian agricultural producers participating in the AgriStability program (proactively and through late participation).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016–17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021–22
General targeted recipient groups A province/territory or its agent that delivers the program as well as individuals, cooperatives, corporations, communal organizations, trusts and other entities that meet the conditions as outlined in the program guidelines.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Business Risk Management programs are generally marketed to producers as a package. In advance of key program deadlines, direct mail and advertising are used by administrators to raise program awareness, encourage enrolment and compliance with participation requirements (for example, meeting key deadlines). The program website, toll-free number, and media relations will support the promotional campaigns.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works with provinces and with third party delivery agencies to ensure a coordinated communications approach and to ensure federal identity on cost-shared programs.

The Department continues to build on the program websites as a key source of program information and on options for communicating information to program clients in order to support the Department's mandate to strengthen program service and delivery. Communication activities comply with the Official Languages Act requirements. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also works with the National Program Advisory Committee to engage its producers.

Planning information (dollars) AgriStability program (Statutory)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 32,729,652 39,320,000 39,320,000 39,320,000
Total contributions 210,429,406 384,830,000 384,830,000 384,830,000
Total program 243,159,058 424,150,000 424,150,000 424,150,000

Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amount to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects statutory authority as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. AgriStability is demand-driven, rather than being funded from a set allocation for each fiscal year. Although the administrative costs of the program remain relatively constant, the variance of year-to-year grant and contribution payments is directly related to participation and industry conditions. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years planned spending due to favorable industry conditions for the 2018 program year. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities program (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities program (previously known as Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program) (Voted)
Start date May 28, 2009
End date Ongoing (Subject to Minister's renewal every five years)
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2018–19 (Terms and conditions amended)
Link to department's Program Inventory Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program
Description The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities program supports the agricultural sector to adapt to new and emerging issues, opportunities and challenges in order to remain competitive. The program funds national or sector-wide projects to develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity or respond to new and emerging issues.
Expected results

The expected results are:

  • The sector develops tools and strategies to respond to changing circumstances, issues, and/or opportunities; and
  • The sector implements tools and strategies to respond to changing circumstances and/or emerging issues and/or opportunities.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • The number of tools and strategies developed by the sector to respond to changing circumstances and/or opportunities from 2014 to 2019; and
  • The number of tools and strategies to respond to changing circumstances and/or opportunities implemented by the sector from 2014 to 2019.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2018–19
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation and Amendment
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20 Evaluability Assessment to determine forward evaluation work to be competed before 2023–24.
General targeted recipient groups Not-for-profit organizations and associations, including cooperatives, marketing boards and Indigenous groups.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communications effort may include mail outs, news conferences or news releases. Program clients will also be engaged through email, site visits, web presence, videoconferences, teleconferences or other outreach and project assessment and monitoring.
Planning information (dollars) Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities program (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 2,319,609 8,561,000 10,061,000 10,061,000
Total program 2,319,609 8,561,000 10,061,000 10,061,000
Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities program (winter 2018–19) is being re-launched under a new strategy which includes specific priority areas and a new program name. It is planned that the communication-branding activities will lead to greater uptake in program applications and contribution agreements by 2020–21. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower as 2018–19 was the last year of the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

Contributions to support Investments in the Dairy Sector (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program Contributions to support Investments in the Dairy Sector (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2017
End date March 31, 2022
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory Dairy Programs
Description

The Dairy Programs consist of the Dairy Farm Investment Program and the Dairy Processing Investment Fund, which are designed to encourage investment by dairy farmers and dairy processors to improve productivity and competitiveness.

The Dairy Farm Investment Program (2017–18 to 2021–22) supports dairy farmers to modernize their operations and improve their productivity through activities such as the adoption of robotic milkers, automated feeding systems, herd management tools, or other equipment upgrades.

The Dairy Processing Investment Fund (2017–18 to 2020–21) supports dairy processors as they modernize their facilities and conduct near-market activities to introduce new and improved products that will compete with expected imports. The program supports access to technical expertise and the purchase of new equipment in order to expand processing capacity and diversify product lines to capture new market opportunities.

Expected results

The expected results are:

  • To help the dairy sector modernize their operations; and
  • Improve their productivity.

The performance indicators, which are used to measure relevance and effectiveness of the programming include:

  • Number of approved projects;
  • Number of small/large scale investments;
  • Production cost savings (for example, labour and/or cash costs);
  • Number of facilities and not-for-profits that apply for and receive funding;
  • Participants adopt technologies new to the sector; and
  • Increase in volume of industrial or fluid milk and milk components used in production.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation Not applicable – new program
Decision following the results of last evaluation Not applicable
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation Dairy Farm Investment Program: 2023–24
Dairy Processing Investment Fund: 2023–24
General targeted recipient groups

Dairy Farm Investment Program

  • Canadian licensed cow's milk producers.

Dairy Processing Investment Fund

  • For-profit organizations, including co-operatives, which are:
    • small and medium cheese makers;
    • large cheese makers and dairy processors involved in processing dairy products in Canada whose projects have benefits that accrue broadly.
  • Not-for-profit organizations involved in or representing the dairy processing sector in Canada.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Dairy Farm Investment Program
National consultations were held with stakeholders in advance of the Government announcing the launch of the second round of the Dairy Farm Investment Program in January 2019.

Dairy Processing Investment Fund
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communications efforts include mail outs, news conferences or news releases. The program administration continually meets with the industry to improve awareness and understanding of the program.

Program clients are also being engaged through email, site visits, web presence or other outreach and project assessment and monitoring.

Planning information (dollars) Contributions to support Investments in the Dairy Sector (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 94,550,000 77,600,000 72,600,000 47,000,000
Total program 94,550,000 77,600,000 72,600,000 47,000,000
Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is higher than future years due to operational decisions designed to maximize the effectiveness of the contributions, taking into account the nature and timing of participants' investments. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.

Loan guarantees under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (Statutory)

Name of transfer payment program Loan guarantees under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (Statutory)
Start date June 18, 2009
End date Ongoing
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Statutory authority (Canadian Agricultural Loans Act)
Fiscal year for terms and conditions Not applicable
Link to department's Program Inventory Loan Guarantee Programs
Description Under the Loan Guarantee Programs, the federal government provides financial guarantees to producers, marketing agencies and agricultural co-operatives. The Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program guarantees the repayment of loans made to producers and agricultural cooperatives by financial institutions. Producers use these loans to establish, improve, and develop their farms, while agricultural co-operatives use loans to process, distribute, or market the agricultural products.
Expected results

The expected result is:
Producers have access to affordable capital.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • Dollar value of registered loans awarded by lending institutions during the fiscal year;
  • Number of loans made to beginning farmers;
  • Defaulted loans as a percentage of the value of total loans at the end of the year; and
  • Percentage of loans received from lenders within 15 business days is registered.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2018–19
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation Completed in March 2019. To be assessed in next evaluation planning cycle.
General targeted recipient groups Farmers, beginning farmers and agricultural co-operatives.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The primary marketing channel for the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program is through the financial institutions who deliver the program. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports these efforts in a variety of ways to encourage awareness and uptake, including: social media campaigns (for example, Facebook, Twitter), direct mail to producers, print advertising in farm/lender publications, as well as print on demand fact sheets for the agricultural lenders which help maintain common messaging and brand identity. Each year, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials also attend two or three selected industry trade shows/annual general meetings to communicate the benefits of the program directly to producers and to learn and gather feedback from producers on the program.
Planning information (dollars) Loan guarantees under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (Statutory)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 50,000 13,111,013 13,111,013 13,111,013
Total program 50,000 13,111,013 13,111,013 13,111,013
Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amount to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects statutory authority as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than planned spending for future years due to factors such as the strong financial performance of the sector and competitive interest rates across the financial industry. These factors have reduced program uptake and decreased the costs associated with defaulted loans. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future estimates, as applicable.

Payments in connection with the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act – Advance Payments program (Statutory)

Name of transfer payment program Payments in connection with the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act – Advance Payments program (Statutory)
Start date April 25, 1997
End date Ongoing
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Statutory authority (Agricultural Marketing Programs Act)
Fiscal year for terms and conditions Not applicable
Link to department's Program Inventory Loan Guarantee Programs
Description

Under the Loan Guarantee Programs, the federal government provides financial guarantees to producers, marketing agencies and agricultural co-operatives. The Advance Payments Program is a loan guarantee program which provides producers with access to credit through cash advances based on the value of their agricultural products. This enables producers to meet financial obligations and allows them to make the decision to sell agricultural products based on market conditions rather than the need for cash flow.

The Price Pooling Program provides cooperative marketing agencies with a price guarantee on eligible products as a form of security against unanticipated declines in the market price for their products. This helps them to secure financing to issue initial payments to their producer members as they deliver product to the cooperative marketing pools.

Expected results

The expected result is:
Agricultural producers have improved cash-flow to enable them to make better marketing decisions about their products.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • Number of producers receiving Advance Payments Program advances per production period;
  • Dollar value of Advance Payments Program advances issued per production period;
  • Advance Payments Program defaults as a percentage of total Advance Payments Program advances taken per production period; and
  • Default claims under the guarantee as a percentage of total Advance Payments Program advances taken per production period.

The expected result is:
Marketing of agricultural products under cooperative plans is facilitated by guaranteeing minimum average prices of products sold by marketing agencies.

The performance indicator that is used to monitor and report on the program is:
Guarantee price provided through the Price Pooling Program as a percentage of average market price.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016-17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation and Amendment
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20
General targeted recipient groups Producers of agricultural products as defined under the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The primary marketing channel for the Advance Payments Program is through the approximately 35 producer organizations who administrator the program. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports these efforts in a variety of ways to encourage awareness and uptake, including: social media campaigns (for example, Facebook, Twitter), print advertising in farm publications, as well as print on demand fact sheets that help maintain common messaging and brand identity. Each year, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials also attend two or three selected industry trade shows/ annual general meetings to communicate the benefits of the program directly to producers and to learn and gather feedback from producers on the program.
Planning information (dollars) Loan guarantees under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (Statutory)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 25,000,000 65,900,000 65,900,000 65,900,000
Total program 25,000,000 65,900,000 65,900,000 65,900,000
Note:
Forecast spending eflects the forecast amount to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects statutory authority as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than planned spending for future years due to factors such as the strong financial performance of the sector and current competitive interest rates across the financial industry. These factors have limited producer uptake of the program and reduced government interest and default related spending. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future estimates, as applicable.

Provincial/Territorial delivered cost-shared programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Voted)

Name of transfer payment program Provincial/Territorial delivered cost-shared programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Voted)
Start date April 1, 2018
End date March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Voted appropriation annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved)
Link to department's Program Inventory
  • Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade
  • Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment
  • Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-Shared Assurance
Description
  • Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade:
    Under Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade, transfer payments are provided to the provinces and territories for programming to assist the Canadian agricultural sector in creating market-based opportunities for individual farms and firms, and providing industry with the knowledge and tools to compete at home and abroad. Specific provincial and/or territorial programs support the sector in identifying new domestic and global opportunities that enhance competitiveness and prosperity.
  • Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment:
    Under Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment, transfer payments are provided to the provinces and territories for programming to accelerate the pace of innovation in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. A key focus of such innovation is the research, development and commercialization of products, practices, processes and systems that enhance the productivity, competitiveness, economic growth and adaptability to environment and climate change in the sector.
  • Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-Shared Assurance:
    Under Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Assurance, transfer payments are provided to the provinces and territories for agricultural assurance programming to develop tools and support proactive mitigation activities. Specific provincial or territorial programs support the sector in its endeavors to prevent and control risks to the animal and plant resource base, provide safe food, and meet new market demands for assurance.
Expected results

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade:

Expected Results:

  • The sector is accessing generic and customized information and intelligence to assess market opportunities.

The performance indicator that is used to monitor and report on the program is:

  • Number of clients reporting that market information and intelligence meets needs for awareness and knowledge of market opportunities.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment:

Expected Results:

  • New agriculture and agri-food technologies are generated and commercialized.

The performance indicator that is used to monitor and report on the program is:

  • Number of new technologies (products, practices, processes and systems) that attain Intellectual Property protection.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-Shared Assurance:

Expected Results:

  • The sector is adopting risk management activities to maximize resilience.

The performance indicators that are used to monitor and report on the program include:

  • Number of risk management/assurance projects completed on-farm; and
  • Number of risk management/assurance projects completed at processing facilities.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2017–18 Evaluation of Growing Forward 2 Cost-shared Programming Strategic Initiatives.
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20 Evaluability Assessment to determine forward evaluation work to be competed by 2023–24.
General targeted recipient groups
  • Individuals;
  • Partnerships;
  • Limited Partnerships;
  • For-profit and not-for-profit companies;
  • Trusts;
  • Cooperatives;
  • Marketing boards;
  • For-profit and not-for-profit organizations;
  • International organizations;
  • Academic institutions such as universities and colleges;
  • Provincial, territorial and municipal governments, including their institutions, agencies and corporations;
  • Indigenous communities and governments; and
  • Crown Corporations.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Programs are planned and delivered by provincial and territorial governments. As such, initiatives to engage applicants and recipients will be determined by the provincial or territorial governments.
Planning information (dollars) Provincial/Territorial delivered cost-shared programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Voted)
Type of transfer payment 2018–19
Forecast spending
2019–20
Planned spending
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 191,247,600 206,480,000 206,480,000 206,480,000
Total program 191,247,600 206,480,000 206,480,000 206,480,000
Note:
Forecast spending reflects the forecast amounts to be spent in the fiscal year. Planned spending reflects funds already brought into the Department's reference levels as well as amounts to be authorized through the Estimates process as presented in the Department's Annual Reference Level Update. The 2018–19 forecast spending is lower than future years due to delays in the launch of new initiatives under the provincial and territorial Canadian Agricultural Partnership programming. Planned spending has not been adjusted to include new information that may be contained in Budget 2019. More information will be provided in future Estimates, as applicable.