Winnipeg, MB — It’s the start of a new year at Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). Today, the association kicked off the first day of the 2021 Advance Payments Program (APP) by issuing cash advances to 1,500 Western Canadian farmers, all who had applications assessed during CCGA’s pre‑application process.
“It’s the biggest first day of the program we’ve ever had, injecting over $200 million into farmers’ operations as they prepare to plant the 2021 crop,” says Rick White, President & CEO at CCGA. “Spring cash flow needs are top of mind with farmers1 this year, and we’re pleased that we’ve been able to serve so many farmers the first day, allowing them to take maximum advantage of the program benefits.”
The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan program administered by CCGA. It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low-interest cash advances.
Through CCGA, farmers can access advances on over 50 field crop and livestock commodities, as well as honey. Farmers can apply for a cash advance of up to $100,000 interest-free and to a maximum of $1,000,000. The interest-bearing portion is charged an interest rate of prime less 0.75%. CCGA eliminated administration fees in 2020.
Dave Gallant, Director of Finance and Operations, credits much of the boost in this year’s first-day volumes to several important changes that CCGA made to streamline services for farmers. These include having pre-applications available in February and reducing administrative burdens by automating signature processes and submission of supporting documents for existing customers.
“We invested in system improvements that have enhanced the web-based self-service option for our customers and received numerous comments about how the improvements have exceeded farmers’ expectations,” says Gallant. “Once we receive a complete application form, we can process an advance in 3-5 business days.”
Existing customers can log into their online account and use the updated application system to complete their 2021 application. First-time applicants will benefit from the added support they receive through CCGA’s contact centre and are encouraged to call CCGA at 1‑866‑745‑2256 to apply over the telephone. Farmers can also download an application form.
Canadian Canola Growers Association represents canola farmers on national and international issues, policies and programs that impact farm profitability, and has been administrator of the Government of Canada’s Advance Payments Program since 1984. For more information visit www.ccga.ca or follow CCGA on Twitter @ccga_ca.