AgriStability and Canadian Farm Support Programs: How They Work in 2026

Four business risk management programs sit under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the federal-provincial-territorial framework that runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2028. It replaced the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which ended on 31 March 2023, and governments are already consulting on the framework that follows, for 2028 to 2033. This guide explains what each program does, how AgriStability is calculated, who delivers it where, and which dates matter.

The four programs

How AgriStability is calculated

AgriStability compares your margin for the program year with a reference margin. The reference margin is generally the average of your margins for the previous five years after dropping the highest and the lowest, which AAFC describes as an Olympic average; with fewer years of history it uses the previous three. You can choose a tax-aligned reference margin that follows the cash or accrual basis you file taxes on, while the program-year margin itself stays on an accrual basis.

A payment is triggered when the program-year margin falls more than 30% below the reference margin. Under the standard terms the program pays 80% of the decline beyond that 30%, up to the lesser of $3 million and 70% of the margin decline.

Deadlines

Some provinces opened special late-participation windows in 2026 after extreme conditions, so ask your administrator whether anything applies to you.

Who delivers AgriStability where

AgriInvest is delivered by the federal government everywhere except Québec, where La Financière agricole du Québec runs it.

AgriInvest

Producers can deposit up to 100% of their allowable net sales each year, and governments match 1% of allowable net sales, with the matchable amount based on sales up to $1 million. Withdrawals come from Fund 2 first (the government contributions and interest, which are taxable) and then Fund 1 (your own deposits, which are not). New for the 2025 program year, producers whose average allowable net sales over the previous three years are $1 million or more must declare a valid agri-environmental risk assessment, such as an Environmental Farm Plan, to receive matching contributions.

What is still only proposed

In July 2026 federal, provincial and territorial ministers met in Halifax and set out a shared vision for the next policy framework, 2028 to 2033. They agreed in principle to look at AgriStability changes on non-arm's-length labour and contract work, aimed at the 2027 program year, and a higher payment cap is being considered for the next framework. None of that is in force, so do not plan around it.

Tax treatment

AgriStability payments are taxable farming income, and AgriInvest Fund 2 withdrawals are taxable. Our farm tax guide explains how farm income, losses and capital cost allowance work around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AgriStability deadline?

Enrolment and the fee are due April 30 of each program year, unless your Enrolment Notice says otherwise. Late participation is possible only when governments agree to it and normally reduces benefits by 20%. Confirm dates with your provincial administrator, because forms and special measures have their own deadlines.

Does AgriStability pay 90%?

Only for the 2025 program year, when governments temporarily raised the rate to 90% and the payment cap to $6 million. For 2026 the standard 80% rate and $3 million cap apply, and a lasting change would need governments to agree to one.

Is the Canadian Agricultural Partnership still the current framework?

No. It ended on 31 March 2023. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2028, and governments are consulting on the next framework for 2028 to 2033.

Who administers AgriStability in my province?

It depends. Alberta uses AFSC, Saskatchewan uses SCIC, Ontario uses Agricorp and Québec uses La Financière agricole du Québec. In Manitoba it is delivered federally by AAFC. AgriInvest is federal everywhere except Québec.