The Government of Canada will set the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program at $250,000 for the 2025 program year. This is the portion of advances on which the government pays the interest on behalf of producers.

The Advance Payments Program gives producers easy access to low-cost cash advances of up to $1 million, based on the expected value of their agricultural product. Under the program, producers typically receive the first $100,000 interest-free. The higher limit announced today will result in interest savings for producers while increasing access to cash flow to help cover costs until they sell their products. 

With this support at the beginning of the production cycle, farmers will be able to purchase essential inputs and cover their costs to support production this growing season. More importantly, the program offers marketing flexibility, enabling producers to sell their agricultural products when it is most advantageous, rather than being forced to sell for immediate cash needs, which is especially crucial in times of uncertainty. 

“Raising the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program will give our hardworking farmers some extra cash flow and savings as we head into the 2025 growing season,” said Hon Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food. 

Under the Advance Payments Program, cash advances are calculated based on up to 50% of the anticipated market value of eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage. The program is delivered through 26 industry-led associations.

Source:  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada March 7, 2025 news release