Last chance to enroll in CAIS program

Applications for the Ontario 2003 and 2004 Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program will now be accepted up until June 30, 2004. This is an extension from the original May deadline.


The CAIS program, a combining of the former Net Income Assistance program and the Ontario Farm Income Disaster Fund in one single program, will allow Ontario farmers to protect their operations from large and small declines in income. It is designed on a cost sharing formula that will see the farmer and the government equally share in smaller income losses, with the government’s share increasing up to four times the amount assumed by the producer for larger income losses.

The CAIS program is available to farming businesses, including wholesale nursery growers in Canada that have farmed for a minimum of six months. Further details of the program and how to calculate the required production and reference margins used as payment triggers can be found on the Landscape Ontario web site: www.hort-trades.com


“The CAIS program will provide much needed help for producers who may experience losses in farm income,” said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Bob Speller. “I certainly encourage producers to participate.”

“The agri-food industry plays an important role in Ontario’s economy,” said Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We want as many Ontario farmers as possible to have an opportunity to participate in the new CAIS program and are encouraging them to apply as soon as possible.”

Farmers must complete and submit a CAIS program application form (and any other required forms) by June 30, and must deposit the minimum account balance as outlined in the producer’s Deposit Options Notice into their CAIS program accounts.

For application forms and more detailed information on the CAIS program, visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food web site at www.omaf.gov.on.ca, or call the CAIS program administration toll free at 1-877-838-5144.

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