The PEI Federation of Agriculture is again proud to be working for the Island’s agriculture community to deliver a number of key programs and initiatives that are important to our sector.

Advance Payment Program

The Advance Payment Program (APP) again offers interest free advances on agriculture inventories up to $200,000.00 in value to PEI farmers.  The interest portion of these advances is paid by the Federal and Provincial governments.   If farmers qualify, they can receive as much as $400,000.00 but pay interest rates of Prime-1/4% for those advance amounts over $200,000.  The Federation works diligently to deliver this program in an efficient and timely manner for Island Farmers.   Management of the APP program has changed this year as Gerard Dougan has retired from the position.  The Federation was very fortunate to have had Gerard take on this initiative to get the APP running out of the Federation office over two years ago.  We wish Gerard well as he takes on new priorities.  Tim Seeber, Assistant Manager with PEIFA and manger of the PEI Hog Board takes on the role of APP manager and will continue to work with Andrew Wood in the Federation office to deliver the program on a wide range of Island production.

Environmental Farm Plan

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program for farmers continues to evolve as more and more Island farmers have gone through the program for their second and third times updating the environmental action plans on their farms.  Federation staff, Karen Murchison and John Jamieson work closely with producers to identify key areas of concern on the farm and to help them determine the best course of action to handle the issue on a wide range of environmental topics.  PEI farmers continue to make significant strides on the environmental priorities needed to sustain their farms and the Federation is proud to be working with Island farmers to help them with this initiative.

Farm Safety Program

The Farm Safety Program also continues to be a priority as the  Federation is working closely with the provincial Department of Transportation to raise the awareness of safe highway travel for Island motorists.  This campaign funded in part by the province and the Federal government will work to increase the awareness to both farmers and the general public of the “dos and don’ts” of safe road transportation for farm machinery and what to do when approaching farm machinery on Island roads.  The farm safety program will also continue to work to deliver safety training programs in many important areas such as first aid, forklift training, safe tractor training and others.

Farmer Counseling Program

The Farmer Counseling Program (FCP) is also a program that the Federation is proud to be making available to Federation members in a confidential manner.  This program is cost shared with the PEI Department of Agriculture.  In these challenging times it is good to know that Island Farmers have a place to turn when the stress can become too much.  Members of the Federation receive this service for free and non members can access it for a fee.  If you or someone you know is having a difficult time dealing with stress on the farm, whatever the reason, please call Frank MacAulay at (800) 736-8006 or (902) 432-0277.  All calls are strictly confidential.

Health and Dental Benefits Plan

The Health and Dental Benefits Plan continues to provide valuable health coverage for Federation members and we are proud to be continuing the program this year.  For more information on this and other Federation initiatives or programs please call the Federation office at 368-7289 or visit our website at www.peifa.ca