AgriStability

AgriStability helps farmers handle income losses beyond their control. It helps farms in British Columbia face challenges like poor harvests, bad market prices, and higher costs. AgriStability helps keep farm budgets stable so they can plan for the future with confidence. Learn more about How AgriStability Works.

To be eligible farm operations must:

• Have income from the primary production of agricultural commodities
• Carry on the business of farming in Canada and report farming income (or loss) for income tax purposes
• Complete a minimum of six consecutive months farming activity
• Attempt to complete a production cycle that includes one or more of the following:
  • The growing and harvesting of a crop
  • The process of rearing livestock
  • The purchase and sale of livestock within a program year in the case of feeding or finishing enterprises

If you have not participated in AgriStability before or wish to rejoin, complete the New Participant package by April 30th of the Program Year you want to participate.

Your enrolment fee is based on the size of your farm operation. Participating in AgriStability can cost as little as $100.00 per year. The average farm in BC pays around $500 to enrol every year.

If you suffer a disaster during the season, you can file a Notice of Loss. Our customer service team will look at your AgriStability coverage and help get you an early payment.

After the year is over you must file your income tax by the CRA deadlines. AgriStability also needs you to fill out a Statement A. The income, expense, and crop or livestock information on this form is used to calculate your payment.

If you no longer want to participate, you may opt out of the program by providing written notice to BC AgriStability. Written notice must be received by the enrolment notice deadline, April 30 of the program year you wish to opt out of or 30 days after your enrolment/fee notice was issued. By opting out, you will no longer receive payments for that program year. If you do not opt out by the deadline, your fees will still be owing and payable.

I changed what I produce on my farm
If you change commodities, expand or downsize your operation, AgriStability will adjust your coverage to reflect your current farm operation. This is referred to as “structural change”.

I changed my farm structure
If you change the farm’s legal structure by incorporating, your fee and coverage will be transferred to the corporation.

I transferred ownership of my farm to a family member
Your AgriStability coverage can also be transferred to immediate family. For example, children taking over the family farm can use the farm's historical numbers to create their coverage after signing up.