Advance Payments Program

About the Program

The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a federal program under the Agriculture Marketing Programs Act (AMPA), which provides agriculture producers with easy access to low-interest cash advances for livestock and crops.

Under the program, beef farmers can access up to $1,000,000 per program year in advances based on the value of their cattle. The Government of Canada covers the interest on the first $250,000* advanced to the farmer, and advances are repaid once the cattle are sold.

Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) administers the interest-free provision of the APP for the feeder co operatives across the province. This provision is permitted because the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs guarantees the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program.

To be eligible for the interest-free provision, members will have to complete an APP application form, pay the respective fee and meet the APP criteria.

* On March 25, 2024, a temporary increase to the interest-free limit for advances under the Advance Payments Program (APP) was granted by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The interest-free limit will increase from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2024 production year. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers.