Only 88,000 of 155,000 farmers want free money

Ag Canada reminds you to respond to your AgriInvest “Kickstart” letter, which was mailed out many months ago. Jason Campbell, communications advisor for the farm income support programs, told me on April 30 that only 88,000 of 155,000 eligible farmers had applied for their free money. The deadline to respond is June 30. Your payment is automatically calculated based on 2.63 per cent of your average allowable net sales.

Here is a reminder Ag Canada sent out today:

Farmers are reminded to respond to their AgriInvest Kickstart letters by the June 30, 2008 deadline. Reminder letters are being mailed to farmers who have not yet responded. Those who don’t respond by the deadline will not be eligible for benefits.

In spring 2007, the Government of Canada announced $600 million to kickstart producer accounts under AgriInvest. Most farmers received a letter explaining their benefits.

To receive Kickstart funds, farmers must respond to their letter by returning the tear-off section indicating whether they want to withdraw the funds or leave them in a government-held account. The response letter must be postmarked no later than June 30, 2008. If a farmer misses this deadline, they will not be eligible for Kickstart funds.

For more information about AgriInvest Kickstart, farmers can visit the AgriInvest website at www.agr.gc.ca/agriinvest or contact the federal administration toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

For more information about the program in Quebec, farmers can visit the La Financière agricole website at www.fadq.qc.ca or call toll free at 1-800-749-3646.