Drought Relief: Minister Dreeshen & Minister Bibeau to Initiate Joint AgriRecovery Program

By Alberta Beekeepers Commission

After a promising start to the growing season across Alberta, Mother Nature has decided to put agriculture to the test across the province.

The impacts of well below average precipitation and high temperatures can be seen across the province.

While crop insurance will be the primary risk management tool for grain and oilseed farmers, livestock producers are facing immediate feed and water shortages that are impacting animal health.

The Alberta Government has been actively working with the Federal Government to provide emergency relief through the AgriRecovery program to Alberta producers/ranchers affected by the drought.

In a statement on July 15, Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Devin Dreeshen said the province has “received verbal commitment from Ottawa that a joint AgriRecovery program will be initiated to support Prairie producers affected by drought conditions prior to (a federal) election.” (Source: https://www.agcanada.com/daily/request-line-openfor-agrirecovery-drought-plans-bibeau-says).

A formal request was sent to the Federal government on Friday, July 16, 2021 to initiate an AgriRecovery assessment.

Agriculture and Forestry along with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) have formed a joint incident management team (IMT) to coordinate the development and implementation of options for addressing the impact of the drought.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT

The Drought and Excess Moisture Advisory Group (DEMAG), co-chaired by AF and Rural Municipalities of Alberta, meets regularly with stakeholders including the beef and crop sectors for feedback on the severity of the drought and to share information on resources available from the province. DEMAG membership includes: AF, Rural Municipalities of Alberta, Alberta Beef Producers, Crop-Sector Working Group, Irrigation Council, Alberta Forage Industry Network, Alberta Association of Agricultural Fieldmen, Alberta Federation of Agriculture, Alberta Environment and Parks, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Next DEMAG meeting: July 29, 2021

Regularly scheduled calls with Team Alberta presents an opportunity to seek feedback and share information with Alberta crop commodity associations. Team Alberta membership includes: Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission, and Alberta Pulse Growers Commission. Team Alberta met today, moving to bi-weekly meetings going forward. Next meeting date is TBD. (Source https://seedalberta.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2021/07/Dry-Conditions_Response-Update_ July-21-2021.pdf)