This guide for business owners covers current Agricorp funding programs, including risk management programs, financial protection programs, and other types of support for entrepreneurs.
This is our dedicated “hub” page for Agricorp funding programs. We’ll continuously update this page to reflect changes in programs – so bookmark this page and check back often for updates!
Agricorp Mandate
Agricorp, a provincial government agency, was created under the AgriCorp Act, 1996, to deliver risk management programs and services to the agricultural industry. Agricorp is responsible to the provincial government in delivering these programs while maintaining the highest standards in customer service, fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability and risk management.
Agricorp works closely with the agricultural industry to understand and respond to industry needs. Regular program reviews and collaboration with stakeholders ensure programs remain relevant in a changing environment. A skilled and knowledgeable workforce, many from other parts of the agricultural industry, is ready to help customers.
Agricorp Priorities
Agricorp’s priorities include:
- A review of risk management programs, with a focus on AgriStability,
- Measures to facilitate the intergenerational transfer of farms,
- Identifying additional tools to help agriculture and agri-food businesses export their products and diversify into global markets,
- Developing additional capacity to respond to export protectionism against Canadian agricultural products,
- Leading government-wide efforts to strengthen local, sustainable and value-added food supply chains in Canada, and
- Supporting the efforts of farmers and ranchers to reduce emissions and build resilience as key partners in the fight.
You can learn about Agricorp’s priorities by reading its 2021-24 Business Plan.
Types of Funding Agricorp Offers
Agricorp offers risk management programs, financial protection programs, reduced property tax rates and more.
Agricorp Funding Programs
- Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. The program is available for the cattle, edible horticulture, grains and oilseeds, hog, sheep and veal sectors.
- Production Insurance covers production losses and yield reductions caused by insured perils. Depending on the plan, coverage is available on a total-yield or acreage-loss basis. Producers can choose the type and level of coverage that best meets their needs.
- AgriStability covers large margin declines caused by production loss, increased costs or market conditions. If a producer’s margin falls below 70 per cent of their recent average, AgriStability helps to offset the difference.
- Ontario’s Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program provides financial protection to beef cattle sellers when a licensed dealer defaults on payment.
- The Grain Financial Protection Program protects producers who sell grains and oilseeds to licensed dealers and producers or owners who store grains and oilseeds at licensed elevators. The program has both a licensing and inspection component and a financial protection component.
- The Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program, also known as the “Farm Tax Program,” is one of the ways the province of Ontario supports agriculture. Through the program, farmland owners receive a reduced property tax rate. Eligible farmland is taxed at no more than 25 per cent of the municipality’s residential property tax rate.
Also check these Agricorp programs you’ll have to go through in order to access some of the funding programs provided by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA):
- All farms that gross $7,000 or more must register each year under the Farm Business Registration (FBR) program. Registered farming operations are eligible to apply for the farmland property class tax rate. The annual fee pays for a membership in an accredited farm organization of the producer’s choice.
- The Provincial Premises Registry (PPR) is a record of individual parcels of land associated with agri-food activities. The information can be used by government to provide swift response to incidents that could impact agri-food businesses, such as weather disasters, animal or plant disease outbreaks or contaminated food. You must have a premises identification number to be eligible for the Risk Management Program.
Agricorp Contact
Agricorp Headquarters
Agricorp
1 Stone Rd. West
Box 3660 Stn. Central
Guelph, ON N1H 8M4
Telephone
(Mon. to Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
1-888-247-4999
TTY: 1-877-275-1380
Email
contact@agricorp.com
Fax
519-826-4118
AgriStability: 519-826-4334
