As a result of Minister Sigurdson’s advocacy, the federal government has kept the interest-free limit at $250,000 under the APP for the 2025 program year. Furthermore, on September 5, 2025, the federal government temporarily doubled the interest-free portion for canola advances, raising the limit to $500,000 for the remainder of the 2025 and 2026 program years. These changes are in response to ongoing trade uncertainty affecting canola producers, who represent 41 per cent of APP users.

To further assist producers, federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture approved temporary enhancements to the AgriStability program for the 2025 program year. These enhancements, in response to trade uncertainty and production losses, include an increase in the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and an increase in the maximum payment limit from $3 million to $6 million.

Alberta's Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation successfully advocated for the expedited release of the federal government’s preliminary list of prescribed regions for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision. Released August 18, 2025, this list designates a number of Alberta localities as prescribed regions, which in turn helps producers reduce their tax obligations. 

The MD is not included on the preliminary list of prescribed regions; however, the final list is expected to be released this December. Council is working to ensure all relevant agencies and ministries are aware of the critical state of agricultural conditions in the Lesser Slave River region. 

In a collaborative effort with the federal government and Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has adjusted the low yield allowance for the 2025 program year. This change enables farmers to salvage crops for livestock feed, thereby reducing feed-related costs. Producers can find detailed information at afsc.ca.