Ontario pork producers are encouraged to explore the available financial assistance programs designed to support their operations. These programs provide aid in various aspects, from managing risks to facility enhancements and sustainable practices. By tapping into these opportunities, producers can access crucial funding that can contribute to the growth and success of their operations.
The Advance Payments Program (APP) provides producers with a cash advance on the value of their agricultural products during a specified period. The APP is a federal financial loan guarantee program that gives producers easier access to credit through cash advances.
In April 2026, the Government of Canada announced that the Advance Payments Program (APP) interest-free limit will be set at $250,000, for all non-canola advances, for the 2026 program year. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers. The change will give producers access to additional cash flow and interest savings to help cover costs until they sell their products.
Visit Agriculture Credit Corporation (ACC) for more information about the APP or call ACC toll-free at 1-888-278-8807 to process an application over the phone.
The Commodity Loan Program was developed to assist Ontario farmers in financing their crop planting, cultivating, and harvesting expenses. This program allows producers access to lower cost financing (prime rates) to supplement cash flow throughout the year, while paying less interest. Generally funding is available beginning in December each year and is dependent on what you are producing in the current year.
The program is managed by Agriculture Credit Corporation(ACC)with eligibility to receive up to $750,000 at Prime Interest Rate per year and up to 22 months for repayment.
Visit Agriculture Credit Corporation for more information about the CLP or call ACC toll-free at 1-888-278-8807 to process an application over the phone.
This program protects producers from large declines in their farming income due to market conditions, production loss or increased costs of production. It is based on every farm’s individual situation over the whole farm.
The program generates a payment when your production margin is less than 80% of your reference margin which is calculated using the Olympic average of production margins from the previous five years.
There is the ability to apply for an interim payment:
In Ontario, AgriStability is delivered by Agricorp. Visit Agricorp for more information or call 1-877-275-1380.
Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. RMP for livestock was designed in consultation with representatives of the cattle, hog, sheep and veal industry in Ontario. RMP for livestock works like insurance to help Ontario producers offset losses caused by fluctuating commodity prices and production costs. Participants pay premiums based on their insured production and their chosen coverage level.
Upcoming deadlines for 2023 program year if you are already enrolled:
The payouts from RMP occur as follows:
The program is delivered by Agricorp. For more information visit Agricorp or call 1-888-247-4999.
Hedging Programs are risk management strategies commonly used in the pork industry to mitigate the potential negative effects of price volatility. A producer initiates the hedge by selling futures contracts to cover the livestock they plan to sell, and when the hogs are ready for the market, they buy back the short futures contracts and simultaneously sell the hogs in the cash market.
These programs are offered through Ontario Pork, the National Bank of Canada, and RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
For more information:
Visit Forward Pricing – Ontario Pork or call 1-800-862-9001.
Visit Commodity Swaps – National Bank of Canada or call 1-844-394-4556.
Visit Hedging with Lean Hogs Futures – RBC Dominion Securities Inc. or call 1-866-989-0997.
These financial programs are strategically tailored to provide producers with vital funding that can contribute to the growth and success of their operations. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply to these funding programs and pave the way to a more prosperous tomorrow.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a new $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. The agreement includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities funded by federal, provincial and territorial governments.
Sustainable CAP focuses on the 5 key priority areas agreed to in The Guelph Statement:
Ontario-specific funding opportunities can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/sustainable-canadian-agricultural-partnership
AgriRecovery is a framework that allows federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together on a case-by-case basis to assess natural disasters (e.g., extreme weather, disease, pests, etc.) affecting Canadian farmers and respond with targeted, disaster-specific programming when assistance is needed beyond existing programs (AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance, CFIA, etc.).
AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account that allows producers to set money aside which can then be used to help risk manage small income shortfalls, or to make investments to reduce on-farm risks. Producers will continue to have the flexibility to withdraw funds at any time throughout the year.
In Ontario, AgriInvest is delivered by the federal government.
The small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) component of the AgriAssurance program supports businesses to adopt assurance systems and supporting tools to make verifiable claims to meet export market requirements or domestic markets for Indigenous Peoples.
The program aims to:
The AgriAssurance program is delivered through the Sustainable CAP agreement.
Got questions about our programs or need a bit more info? Our team’s ready to help—just reach out, and we’re happy to assist!
