The federal and Newfoundland and Labrador governments have announced new measures to support farmers and agri-food producers affected by extreme drought conditions in 2025. Most notably, governments are reopening the 2025 AgriStability program to allow late enrollment.
The announcement came from Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Pleaman Forsey, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.
Late enrollment provides access to 2025 support
Producers who were not enrolled in AgriStability in 2025 but experienced financial stress due to drought conditions may now apply for support. To qualify, producers must submit their completed application by September 30, 2026.
AgriStability helps protect farms from large income declines caused by production losses, rising costs, or changing market conditions. By reopening enrollment, governments aim to ensure producers impacted by extreme dry conditions are not left without assistance.
Producers urged to plan ahead for 2026
In addition to reopening the 2025 program, governments are encouraging producers to enroll early in Business Risk Management (BRM) programs for the 2026 program year. These federal-provincial, cost-shared programs help farms manage both production and income risks.
Key deadlines for 2026 include:
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AgriStability – Provides protection against significant income declines.
Enrollment deadline: April 30, 2026 -
AgriInsurance – Offers production insurance against uncontrollable natural perils.
Enrollment deadline: April 30, 2026 -
AgriInvest – Supports management of smaller income declines and on-farm risk investments.
Form submission deadline: September 30, 2026
For AgriInsurance information, producers can contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands at 709-637-2378 or by email at SCAP@gov.nl.ca.
For AgriStability or AgriInvest inquiries, producers can call 1-866-367-8506 toll free.
Governments emphasize unified response
MacDonald said coordinated government support is essential during periods of extreme stress for producers.
“It’s important that governments are unified in support of Newfoundland and Labrador farmers when they face stressful and uncertain times,” he said. “That’s why we made changes to AgriStability and continue to offer other Business Risk Management programs for producers affected by the 2025 drought.”
Similarly, Forsey highlighted the province’s commitment to agriculture and rural communities.
“As partners in the national Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we are focused on practical solutions that support farmers and producers during difficult times,” he said. “We encourage all producers to apply for programs that help protect their operations.”
Part of Canada’s broader risk management framework
AgriStability operates as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which supports the long-term strength and resilience of Canadian agriculture.
As weather-related risks continue to challenge producers, governments are urging farmers to use BRM programs proactively. These tools can help stabilize farm income and protect operations when unexpected conditions arise.
