Co-ops in the News

Canada Farm Business Management Council Upcoming Agriwebinars™ Webinars are a web-based conference bringing the expertise of today’s agricultural leaders that will inform and inspire you from the comfort of your home or office. No travel, no cost, no reason to miss out! Agriwebinar™ is free and anyone can participate as long as they have a computer and an Internet connection.

ADAPT Agreement with AAFC continues with new, five year, Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) The P.E.I. ADAPT Council has secured a new five year funding agreement that will enable it to continue the vital task of helping the agricultural industry forge a path to a brighter future. Since 1999, the council has administered funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada that assists farmers and processors in finding new and innovative ways to tackle both current challenges and emerging issues.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SLAUGHTER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE OTTAWA, Ontario, July 3, 2009 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) is encouraging all potential applicants to apply for the new federal Slaughter Improvement Program (SIP). The three-year, $50-million program is now accepting applications. “The Slaughter Improvement Program – a commitment made in Canada’s Economic Action Plan – is now up and running,” said Minister Blackburn.

The Government has just introduced a new bill at first reading. C-29 An Act to increase the availability of agricultural loans and to repeal the Farm Improvement Loans Act concerning the Farm Improvement and Marketing Co-operatives Loans Act which proposes major changes to improve the existing legislation. We will be responding to the government on this legislation and would appreciate any comments you may have on this issue. We will be publishing our own analysis of this Bill next week.

Is the recession starting to hit your pocketbook on the farm? Regardless of whether you're hurting or in good shape, there are ways to cut costs -- some small and some big -- on the farm that could help offset any pressure you may be feeling from the economic downturn. See what farmers and specialists say can help you keep that bottom line intact.