2018-2019 Departmental Results Report - Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more
AgriAssurance program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriAssurance program (Voted) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department’s Program Inventory | Assurance Program |
Description | The Assurance Program provides support to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in its endeavour to prevent and control risk to the animal and plant resource base, provide safe food and meet new market demands for assurance. The program also provides funding to support the Canadian sector in identifying, developing, verifying, disseminating and utilizing assurance systems, standards and related tools. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the AgriAssurance program approved 23 projects under the National Industry Association Component and seven under the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component. In addition, the program had three projects completed under the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation of Business Risk Management programming, including AgriAssurance, is scheduled for 2021–22. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | In general, applicants and recipients are engaged directly by the responsible program officers. During the development of the program through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, recipients were engaged as part of the broader national framework development process. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 12,280,000 | 12,280,000 | 2,468,647 | (9,811,353) |
Total program | 0 | 0 | 12,280,000 | 12,280,000 | 2,468,647 | (9,811,353) |
Explanation of variances | The timing of project approval resulted in associations not having enough time to undertake activities in the 2018–19 fiscal year. Approved project activities were shifted from year one to subsequent years. Unspent funding from 2018–19 has been requested to be carried forward to the following year. |
Agricultural Disaster Relief program / AgriRecovery (Statutory)
Name of transfer payment program | Agricultural Disaster Relief program / AgriRecovery (Statutory) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act) |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department’s Program Inventory | AgriRecovery |
Description | AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework that allows governments to work efficiently together to assess the impacts of natural disasters on Canadian producers and respond when needed with targeted, disaster-specific initiatives. Initiatives developed under the program are intended to help producers beyond the support available through existing programming to cover the extraordinary costs necessary to recover from a disaster event and resume business operations as quickly as possible. |
Results achieved | The 2017 Canada-Quebec Hail Assistance, which was implemented in 2017–18, was completed in 2018–19. This initiative met and exceeded the required performance criteria by providing timely, targeted assistance to assist producers to recover from hail storms that occurred in Quebec in the summer of 2017. Also in 2018–19, governments continued the delivery of the 2017 Canada–British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative. This initiative continues to provide assistance to producers affected by wildfires in British Columbia during the 2017 wildfire season. In 2018–19, governments implemented the 2018 Canada–British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative. Performance data is not yet available for this initiative, which is providing assistance to producers affected by the 2018 wildfires. Since 2013, the AgriRecovery framework has provided over 1,320 payments, representing over $35.9 million in cost-shared assistance, to producers. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation of Business Risk Management programming, including AgriRecovery, is scheduled for 2021–22. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | The process for AgriRecovery begins when one or more provincial/territorial government(s) requests an assessment of a disaster event in writing. Once the request has been made, a joint federal and provincial/territorial task team conducts an AgriRecovery assessment. As needed, the task team consults with affected producers, industry representatives and other department/agency representatives (for example, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). The assessment looks at the impacts of the event on producers, the ability for them to recover quickly and the costs associated with those recovery activities as well as how existing programs will respond. Generic information on the AgriRecovery framework is available on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's website, while the specifics on the initiatives are usually available on provincial/territorial governments' websites. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 6,923,281 | 15,135,072 | 118,513,335 | 894,000 | 894,000 | (117,619,335) |
Total program | 6,923,281 | 15,135,072 | 118,513,335 | 894,000 | 894,000 | (117,619,335) |
Explanation of variances | AgriRecovery is demand-driven. Spending under the framework varies from year to year depending on the need for disaster response initiatives. Actual spending was less than planned spending due to a reduced requirement for program support. Only one initiative was implemented in 2018–19, namely the 2018 Canada–British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative. |
Agricultural Greenhouse Gases program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | Agricultural Greenhouse Gases program (Voted) |
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Start date | September 1, 2010 |
End date | Ongoing (Subject to Minister's renewal every five years) |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2015–16 (Terms and conditions amended) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program |
Description | The Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program helps organizations, academic institutions and other levels of government enhance the understanding and accessibility of agricultural technologies and beneficial management practices that can be adopted by farmers to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Research under this program aims to increase the understanding of the chemical, physical and biological processes that lead to greenhouse gas emissions (into the atmosphere) and nutrient losses (into surface water and groundwater) from agricultural systems. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the program developed and demonstrated to farmers two new beneficial management practices and developed 27 information products such as factsheets and brochures (as of December 2019). |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation is scheduled for 2019–20. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communication efforts include news conferences or news releases. In addition, field days and workshops are carried out under this initiative by recipients of Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program funding. In terms of program delivery and administration, there has been an increase in the number of site visits with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials meeting with recipients both in the laboratory of a principal investigator and the sites where the Beneficial Management Practices are tested. The program administration is also working closely with recipient financial centres to ensure that funding efficiently flows to project activities. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 1,857,891 | 5,771,446 | 5,382,000 | 7,320,342 | 7,138,259 | 1,756,259 |
Total program | 1,857,891 | 5,771,446 | 5,382,000 | 7,320,342 | 7,138,259 | 1,756,259 |
Explanation of variances | This program was renewed in 2016–17. It was anticipated that the core project activities would occur in the second, third and fourth years of the program. Funding was reallocated between programs to meet the demand of this program in fiscal year 2018–19. |
AgriInnovate program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriInnovate program (Voted) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | AgriInnovate |
Description | The AgriInnovate program accelerates the commercialization and adoption of innovative products and processes in the agricultural sector to increase sector competitiveness and sustainability. The program is intended to address both the financing gap present between moving agricultural, agri-food and agri-based research to commercialization, and to assist industry in mitigating the inherent risk in scaling-up products and processes. The program provides repayable contributions to recipients. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the AgriInnovate program provided funding to nine participating firms. As this is the first year of the program, additional results will be available as the program continues. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation is scheduled for 2022–23. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | AgriInnovate utilized several communication approaches to build awareness and understanding of the program, including:
Program administration worked throughout the year to ensure effective program delivery through actions including:
|
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 21,700,000 | 24,800,000 | 24,800,000 | 3,100,000 |
Total program | 0 | 0 | 21,700,000 | 24,800,000 | 24,800,000 | 3,100,000 |
Explanation of variances | Actual spending was higher than planned spending as uptake under this program has been high. Funding was reallocated between programs to further support projects that were in demand and considered key priorities. |
AgriInsurance program (Statutory)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriInsurance program (Statutory) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 (AgriInsurance is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire on this date.) |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act) |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and Conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | AgriInsurance |
Description | AgriInsurance provides Canadian producers with insurance coverage to reduce the economic impacts of production losses caused by adverse weather, crop diseases and other specified perils. AgriInsurance is a program that uses premiums to fund liabilities. Premiums are shared between governments and producers to ensure affordable coverage to producers, while administration costs are covered solely by governments. The commodities covered vary by province and continue to expand to cover new agricultural products. For more information, visit the following websites:
|
Results achieved | In partnership with the provinces and territories, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has put in place a set of performance indicators and targets for the suite of Business Risk Management programs. Officials use these performance indicators and targets to closely monitor and report on the performance of the Business Risk Management programs and ensure they are meeting their objectives. Performance Indicators and Targets:
|
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation of Business Risk Management programming, including AgriInsurance, is scheduled for 2021–22. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | AgriInsurance is delivered provincially. Each province is responsible for marketing the program and the day-to-day communications with producer applicants and producer organizations. Generic information on the program is available on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's website, which has specific links to each provincial website. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 701,496,004 | 651,704,357 | 623,000,000 | 664,580,115 | 664,580,115 | 41,580,115 |
Total program | 701,496,004 | 651,704,357 | 623,000,000 | 664,580,115 | 664,580,115 | 41,580,115 |
Explanation of variances | The variance between the actual and the planned spending is the result of higher number of acres insured by producers in addition to insuring higher value crops. |
AgriInvest program (Statutory)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriInvest program (Statutory) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 (AgriInvest is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire on this date.) |
Type of transfer payment | Grant and Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act) |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and Conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | AgriInvest |
Description | AgriInvest encourages Canadian producers to set money aside which they can draw upon for any reason including to recover from income declines or to make investments to reduce on-farm risks. Under the program, governments provide matching contributions to producers who make annual deposits to an AgriInvest savings account. For more information, visit the following websites:
|
Results achieved | In partnership with provinces and territories, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has put in place a set of performance indicators and targets for the suite of Business Risk Management programs. Officials use these performance indicators and targets to closely monitor and report on the performance of the Business Risk Management programs and ensure they are meeting their objectives. The following results are based on the 2016 program year, the latest year for which application processing is complete and data is available:
|
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation of Business Risk Management programming, including AgriInvest, is scheduled for 2021–22. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | The AgriInvest program is delivered by the federal government in all provinces except Quebec. In Quebec, AgriInvest is delivered provincially by La Financière agricole. Each delivery agent is responsible for the marketing of the program in their jurisdiction(s), as well as day-to-day communications with program applicants. Annual enrolment and participation requirements are communicated through various forums including advertisements in major farm newspapers, industry advisories, program websites, and reminder letters and via Twitter. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 152,279,055 | 147,578,690 | 138,148,000 | 156,427,977 | 156,427,977 | 18,279,977 |
Total contributions | 24,986,173 | 20,036,000 | 18,602,000 | 18,706,452 | 18,706,452 | 104,452 |
Total program | 177,265,228 | 167,614,690 | 156,750,000 | 175,134,429 | 175,134,429 | 18,384,429 |
Explanation of variances | AgriInvest is demand-driven and the variance from year-to-year in grant and contribution expenditures is directly related to both participation and commodity prices. Producer deposits and government contributions are based on a percentage of income generated from the sale of commodities for a production period (Allowable Net Sales). Actual spending for the AgriInvest program was more than planned due to greater participation and stronger sector performance than expected. Spending increased 4.5% over the previous year. |
AgriMarketing program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriMarketing program (Voted) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | Trade and Market Expansion |
Description | The goal of the Trade and Market Expansion service is to increase agriculture and agri-food trade by maintaining, re-opening and expanding market access, advancing agricultural interests internationally, and helping the industry take advantage of market opportunities. As part of Trade and Market Expansion, the AgriMarketing program provides matching non-repayable funding to industry to support industry-led market development activities that help the sector seize domestic and international opportunities, while leveraging Canada's reputation for high quality and safe food. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the AgriMarketing program approved 48 projects under the National Industry Association Component and 129 under the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Component. In addition, the value of Canadian agri-food and seafood exports reach a record level of $66.2 billion. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An Evaluability Assessment is scheduled for 2019–20. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | In general, applicants and recipients are engaged directly by the responsible program officers. During the development of the program through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, recipients were engaged as part of the broader national framework development process. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 20,340,000 | 24,140,000 | 22,902,666 | 2,562,666 |
Total program | 0 | 0 | 20,340,000 | 24,140,000 | 22,902,666 | 2,562,666 |
Explanation of variances | Actual spending was higher than planned spending as uptake under this program has been high. Funding was reallocated between programs to further support projects that were in demand and considered key priorities. |
AgriRisk Initiatives program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriRisk Initiatives program (Voted) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Grant and Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and Conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | AgriRisk |
Description | AgriRisk aims to increase the ability of Canadian producers to address risk by supporting research and development as well as the implementation and administration of new risk management tools for use in the agriculture sector. Under the program, governments provide financial assistance to facilitate the development and adoption of risk management tools, including insurance-based products. |
Results achieved | The 2018–19 spending supported the administration of the Western Livestock Insurance Program, which provides producers with a flexible market-driven approach to insurance. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation is scheduled for 2023–24. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | Various means were undertaken to promote the program such as direct contact with industry members and producer organizations and engagement with the Department's regional offices. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 100,000 | 100,000 | 300,000 | 600,000 | 0 | (300,000) |
Total contributions | 8,284,065 | 14,423,800 | 10,700,000 | 1,600,000 | 873,069 | (9,826,931) |
Total program | 8,384,065 | 14,523,800 | 11,000,000 | 2,200,000 | 873,069 | (10,126,931) |
Explanation of variances | Actual spending was lower than planned spending as applications received were not aligned with the program objectives. Program communications and priorities were revised and projects which align with program objectives are now being approved. |
AgriScience program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriScience program (Voted) |
---|---|
Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | AgriScience |
Description | The AgriScience program accelerates the pace of innovation in the sector by supporting industry-led research and development to increase market opportunities in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The program is delivered through two types of initiatives: the AgriScience – Clusters Component (Clusters) and the AgriScience – Projects Component (Projects). Clusters are national in scope and bring together scientific expertise from industry, academia and government to collaborate to address multiple industry priorities of a specific commodity (such as wheat, beef, et cetera) or cross-cutting issues (for example, bioproducts, food processing). Projects may be individually led research projects or a small group of projects that are national, regional or local in scope. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the AgriScience program provided funding to 50 clusters and projects and saw 67% of its cluster and research projects involve collaboration on Research and Development. In addition, seven papers have been published in peer review journals. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation of AgriScience is scheduled for 2021–22. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | With the launch of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership in 2018–19, substantial engagement with applicants and recipients took place to promote the program and provide guidance regarding program parameters. These engagements included a meeting with all the cluster recipients under the program, site visits undertaken by program officials, attendance and presentations at industry meetings and conferences. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 36,755,000 | 36,755,000 | 24,353,890 | (12,401,110) |
Total program | 0 | 0 | 36,755,000 | 36,755,000 | 24,353,890 | (12,401,110) |
Explanation of variances | Actual spending was less that planned spending as this was the first year of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership reflecting a ramping up of the program. Unspent funding from 2018–19 has been requested to be carried forward to the following year. |
AgriStability program (Statutory)
Name of transfer payment program | AgriStability program (Statutory) |
---|---|
Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 (AgriStability is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire on this date.) |
Type of transfer payment | Grant and Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Statutory authority (Farm Income Protection Act) |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and Conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | AgriStability |
Description | AgriStability is intended to help Canadian producers to manage financial risks that threaten the viability of their farm by helping them protect their farm operations against large declines in farm income. Under the program, governments provide assistance when a producer's margin falls below seventy percent of their historical reference margin. All producers who derive income from the primary production of agricultural commodities are eligible to participate in the program. For more information, visit the following websites: |
Results achieved | In partnership with the provinces and territories, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has put in place a set of performance indicators and targets for the suite of Business Risk Management programs. Officials use these performance indicators and targets to closely monitor and report on the performance of the Business Risk Management programs and ensure they are meeting their objectives. The following results are based on the 2016 program year, the latest year for which application processing is complete and data is available:
|
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation of Business Risk Management programming, including AgriStability, is scheduled for 2021–22. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | AgriStability is delivered by the federal government in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon while it is delivered provincially in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. Each delivery agent is responsible for marketing of the program in their jurisdiction(s), as well as day-to-day communications with program applicants. Annual enrolment and participation requirements are communicated through various forums including advertisements in major farm newspapers, industry advisories, program websites, and reminder letters and via Twitter. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 35,373,415 | 26,827,747 | 39,320,000 | 34,465,156 | 34,465,156 | (4,854,844) |
Total contributions | 311,527,441 | 34,791,605 | 384,830,000 | 180,779,188 | 180,779,188 | (204,050,812) |
Total program | 346,900,856 | 61,619,352 | 424,150,000 | 215,244,344 | 215,244,344 | (208,905,656) |
Explanation of variances | AgriStability is demand-driven, rather than being funded from a set allocation for each fiscal year. Although the administrative costs of the program remain relatively constant, the variance of year-to-year grant and contribution payments is directly related to participation and industry conditions. Actual spending for the AgriStability program was lower than planned due to a decrease in demand and participation in the program; however spending did increase 12.5% over the previous 5 year’s spending average. |
Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program (Voted) |
---|---|
Start date | May 28, 2009 |
End date | Ongoing (Subject to Minister’s renewal every five years) |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2018–19 (Terms and conditions amended) |
Link to department’s Program Inventory | Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program |
Description | The Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program supports the agricultural sector to adapt to new and emerging issues, opportunities and challenges in order to remain competitive. The program funds national or sector-wide projects to develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity or respond to new and emerging issues. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the program has helped the sector develop 25 tools and strategies to help it respond to changing circumstances and/or opportunities. As of this reporting, four of the tools and strategies have been implemented by the sector. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | An evaluation of the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program was completed in 2018–19. Key findings were that there is a continued need for the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program and that it enables the agricultural sector to remain competitive in an evolving global marketplace. The Canadian Agricultural Adaptation program experienced low uptake due to a variety of factors related to overly broad objectives; changes to the program scope, eligibility, funding ratio, and delivery model; and limited promotion. Despite limited uptake, funded projects generated some positive results. Management has agreed to refine program priorities; assess alternative design and delivery options; develop a communication strategy targeted to relevant industry stakeholders; review performance outcomes; and explore appropriate methodology to assess the impacts of adaptation programming. All actions will be completed by December 2022. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada communication efforts generally include mail outs, news conferences and/or news releases. Program clients are also engaged through email, site visits, web presence, videoconferences, teleconferences or other outreach and project assessment and monitoring. Program administration has been working with various department branches to help with communications in order to reach potential eligible applicants that may not be aware of the program and the type of support that it can provide. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 2,182,027 | 2,632,964 | 10,061,000 | 4,072,658 | 3,314,594 | (6,746,406) |
Total program | 2,182,027 | 2,632,964 | 10,061,000 | 4,072,658 | 3,314,594 | (6,746,406) |
Explanation of variances | Actual spending was lower than planned spending as uptake under this program has been low. Funding was reallocated between programs to further support projects that were in demand and considered key priorities. The Department undertook a program realignment exercise and relaunched the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program as the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program, which has new priorities and allows more flexibility to fill programming gaps under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. |
Contributions to support Investments in the Dairy Sector (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | Contributions to support Investments in the Dairy Sector (Voted) |
---|---|
Start date | April 1, 2017 |
End date | March 31, 2022 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | Dairy Programs |
Description | The Dairy Programs consist of the Dairy Farm Investment Program and the Dairy Processing Investment Fund, which are designed to encourage investment by dairy farmers and dairy processors to improve productivity and competitiveness. The Dairy Farm Investment Program (2017–18 to 2021–22) supports dairy farmers to modernize their operations and improve their productivity through activities such as the adoption of robotic milkers, automated feeding systems, herd management tools, or other equipment upgrades. The Dairy Processing Investment Fund (2017–18 to 2020–21) supports dairy processors as they modernize their facilities and conduct near-market activities to introduce new and improved products that will compete with expected imports. The program supports access to technical expertise and the purchase of new equipment in order to expand processing capacity and diversify product lines to capture new market opportunities. |
Results achieved | Dairy Farm Investment Program: The performance indicators and results for Phase 1:
Dairy Processing Investment Fund: Program results will be measured through such items as production cost savings (for example, labour and improved efficiency), the adoption of technology, and the increase in volume of industrial or fluid milk and milk components used in production (when applicable). Participating processors are required to report on the increase in production as well as the percentage increase in the volume of industrial or fluid milk and milk components used in production with the goal of increasing the volumes of these inputs where possible, which provides support indirectly to the broader agricultural sector. Results reporting on progress has yet to fully take effect. The second year of the Dairy Processing Investment Fund approved 40 firms for funding. |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. Evaluations of the Dairy Farm Investment Program and the Dairy Processing Investment Fund are scheduled for 2023–24. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | These programs were developed based on feedback from a range of dairy stakeholders and Canadians across Canada and complement the sector's ongoing investment efforts. The program undertook several communication approaches to build awareness and understanding of the program, including:
Program administration worked throughout the year to ensure effective program delivery through actions including:
|
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 0 | 30,817,846 | 88,600,000 | 94,550,000 | 94,390,172 | 5,790,172 |
Total program | 0 | 30,817,846 | 88,600,000 | 94,550,000 | 94,390,172 | 5,790,172 |
Explanation of variances | For 2018–19, the program committed full funding to industry for eligible projects to continue supporting the productivity of the industry. Funding was reallocated between programs to meet the demand of this program in 2018–19. |
Loan guarantees under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (Statutory)
Name of transfer payment program | Loan guarantees under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (Statutory) |
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Start date | June 18, 2009 |
End date | Ongoing |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Statutory authority (Canadian Agricultural Loans Act) |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | Not applicable |
Link to department's Program Inventory | Loan Guarantee Programs |
Description | Under the Loan Guarantee Programs, the federal government provides financial guarantees to producers, marketing agencies and agricultural co-operatives. The Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program guarantees the repayment of loans made to producers and agricultural cooperatives by financial institutions. Producers use these loans to establish, improve, and develop their farms, while agricultural co-operatives use loans to process, distribute, or market the agricultural products. |
Results achieved | In 2018–19, the Department, in partnership with lending institutions, continued to support the establishment, improvement and development of farms across Canada through the provision of Canadian Agricultural Loans Act loans. The performance indicators and results:
|
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | The evaluation found that the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program provides access to affordable credit, notably for new and niche farmers, but the current loan terms limit farmers’ ability to meet their capital investment needs. The Program aligns with federal and departmental priorities, and fills the provincial and sector gaps in credit accessibility by complementing and supplementing existing programs. The Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program’s design and delivery model offers benefits such as lender expertise, speed of business, and loan guarantees. However, the Program’s criteria, such as loan limits, fees, and eligibility affect overall effectiveness. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | Canadian Agricultural Loans Act loans are issued on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada by financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and caisses populaires. The program is designed to enable financial institutions to incorporate it into their normal lending practices, while providing the government guarantee on eligible loans to farmers and agricultural co-operatives. They register Canadian Agricultural Loans Act loans and submit the associated registration fee using the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Online Loan Registration System or, where it is necessary, through a paper-based application process. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada engaged potential and existing users and financial institutions to increase their knowledge of the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program and have successfully completed a communications strategy which included paid and organic social media (Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn), direct mail to producers, print advertising, young farmers outreach, email and trade shows. Engagement of farmers and lenders will be incorporated in the evaluations plans. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 611,840 | 385,500 | 13,111,013 | (51,408) | (51,408) | (13,162,421) |
Total program | 611,840 | 385,500 | 13,111,013 | (51,408) | (51,408) | (13,162,421) |
Explanation of variances | The value of loans issued under Canadian Agricultural Loans Act in 2018–19 was down only slightly from loans issued in 2017–18 ($91.6 million) and under the target of $98.5 million, the five year average (2013–2017). Program spending on loan losses was in the negative in 2018–19 as a result of registration fees collected, low default loan payments and defaulted loan amounts recovered from previous years. Program participation can be affected by factors such as interest rates, how financial institutions utilize the program, and the state of the industry. The Department continues to work to increase knowledge of the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program, including among both new and existing farmers and financial institutions, with the aim of increasing participation in future years. |
Payments in connection with the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act - Advance Payments program (Statutory)
Name of transfer payment program | Payments in connection with the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act - Advance Payments program (Statutory) |
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Start date | April 25, 1997 |
End date | Ongoing |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Statutory authority (Agricultural Marketing Programs Act) |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | Not applicable |
Link to department's Program Inventory | Loan Guarantee Programs |
Description | Under the Loan Guarantee Programs, the federal government provides financial guarantees to producers, marketing agencies and agricultural co-operatives. The Advance Payments Program is a loan guarantee program which provides producers with access to credit through cash advances based on the value of their agricultural products. This enables producers to meet financial obligations and allows them to make the decision to sell agricultural products based on market conditions rather than the need for cash flow. The Price Pooling Program provides cooperative marketing agencies with a price guarantee on eligible products as a form of security against unanticipated declines in the market price for their products. This helps them to secure financing to issue initial payments to their producer members as they deliver product to the cooperative marketing pools. |
Results achieved | Advance Payments Program In 2018–19, the Department, through the Advance Payments Program and in partnership with 36 third-party administrators, continued to provide eligible agricultural producers with access to timely, low cost loans to help them with their cash-flow needs over their production periods and provide them with additional flexibility to find the best markets for their agricultural products.
Price Pooling Program For 2018–19, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada entered into Price Pooling Program agreements with marketing agencies for total guarantees value at $43.3 million. Participating marketing agencies did not make any claims to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada against the price guarantee during the program year. Performance indicator and Target: Guarantee price provided through the Price Pooling Program as a percentage of average market price: 64.46% (target: less than or equal to 65%). |
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An evaluation is scheduled for 2019-20. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | The Advance Payments Program is delivered by approximately 36 producer organizations across Canada. These organizations work closely with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to ensure all their members and potential participants in their area are aware of the program benefits and objectives. In addition, the Advance Payments Program and Price Pooling Program are promoted at different agriculture trade shows across the country and at industry meetings. Through these activities, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada stays connected with producers and ensures the program remains aligned with the sector’s needs. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 25,670,879 | 29,030,974 | 65,900,000 | 36,234,391 | 36,234,391 | (29,665,609) |
Total program | 25,670,879 | 29,030,974 | 65,900,000 | 36,234,391 | 36,234,391 | (29,665,609) |
Explanation of variances | Participation in the Advance Payments Program fluctuates from year-to-year based on factors such as commodity/sector performance, interest rates and the financial needs of producers. For 2018–19, 21,214 producers received Advance Payments Program advances, which is consistent with uptake of approximately 21,000 per program year since 2014. It should be noted that the target of $2.2 billion in advances issued per production period was surpassed in 2018–19. Total spending under the Advance Payments Program and Price Pooling Program was approximately $36.2 million, which was largely due to Advance Payments Program interest costs paid by the Department and Advance Payments Program default amounts paid under the Guarantee. These costs are up from previous years, but are significantly lower than the planned spending of $65.9 million. Actual spending was lower than planned spending due to factors such as current below average interest rates, defaults and lower participation. The actual spending amount listed is net of amounts recovered from past defaulted advances under the Advance Payments Program. *Note: Producers have until the end of their Advance Payments Program Production Periods to fully repay their advances. Due to the length of these Production Periods, it is not yet possible to report on defaults for the 2018 Program Year. The default results reported above are for advances during the 2017 Program Year. |
Provincial/Territorial delivered cost-shared programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Voted)
Name of transfer payment program | Provincial/Territorial delivered cost-shared programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Voted) |
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Start date | April 1, 2018 |
End date | March 31, 2023 |
Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
Type of appropriation | Voted appropriation annually through Estimates |
Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017–18 (Terms and conditions approved) |
Link to department's Program Inventory | Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Assurance |
Description |
Under Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade, transfer payments are provided to the provinces and territories for programming to assist the Canadian agricultural sector in creating market-based opportunities for individual farms and firms, and providing industry with the knowledge and tools to compete at home and abroad. Specific provincial and/or territorial programs support the sector in identifying new domestic and global opportunities that enhance competitiveness and prosperity. Under Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment, transfer payments are provided to the provinces and territories for programming to accelerate the pace of innovation in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. A key focus of such innovation is the research, development and commercialization of products, practices, processes and systems that enhance the productivity, competitiveness, economic growth and adaptability to environment and climate change in the sector. Under Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Assurance, transfer payments are provided to the provinces and territories for agricultural assurance programming to develop tools and support proactive mitigation activities. Specific provincial or territorial programs support the sector in its endeavors to prevent and control risks to the animal and plant resource base, provide safe food, and meet new market demands for assurance. |
Results achieved | In partnership with provinces and territories, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has put in place a set of performance indicators and targets for Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared programming under three priority areas: Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Markets and Trade:
Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Science, Research, Innovation and Environment:
Federal, Provincial and Territorial Cost-shared Assurance:
|
Findings of audits completed in 2018–19 |
Nil. No audit was conducted on this program. |
Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19 | Nil. An Evaluability Assessment is scheduled for 2019–20. |
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2018–19 | Provinces and territories design and deliver cost-shared programming and thus identify the most appropriate tools to engage applicants and recipients. Methods include websites, advertising, brochures, et cetera. |
Type of transfer payment | 2016–17 Actual spending |
2017–18 Actual spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2018–19 Total authorities available for use |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2018–19 actual minus 2018–19 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 206,480,000 | 206,480,000 | 172,897,589 | (33,582,411) |
Total program | 0 | 0 | 206,480,000 | 206,480,000 | 172,897,589 | (33,582,411) |
Explanation of variances | As part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) five-year Framework, Federal-Provincial-Territorial Cost-shared programming is designed and delivered by the provinces and territories. Provinces and territories report on and manage variances in spending on their individual programming. They are able to roll over unspent funding of up to 25% of planned spending into subsequent years, except for the last year of the Framework. Five-year spending totals must equal 60:40 federal-provincial/territorial funding shares. Unspent funding from 2018–19 has been requested to be carried forward to the following year. While provincial and territorial spending in the first year of the Partnership was lower than the planned spending, the majority of programs have been rolled out and continue to come online. Program uptake has varied across programs resulting in underspending in some areas and overspending in others. However, the federal-provincial-territorial funding allocations were respected. |
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