Producers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia can utilize the cash advance program in 2021
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Up until this year, the FarmCash Advance Payments Program was only available to producers in Alberta, but now producers in the other three Western provinces can access it, said a recent release.
“We're really excited, very pleased and looking forward to serving our producers in Western Canada,” said Syeda Khurram, chief operating officer for FarmCash.
The idea to expand the program started in 2020 when FarmCash, which is a federal loan program administered by the Alberta Wheat Commission, received calls from Saskatchewan producers.
“We actually started getting inquiries from producers in Saskatchewan (asking) if we are expanding our services in Saskatchewan and if they can leverage those services as well. We got numerous calls especially during the pandemic, when some producers were in a backlog and they were waiting for their advance to be released,” Khurram told Farms.com.
The program will continue to stay the same for producers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia as those in Alberta, said Khurram.
One additional staff member is going to be hired to help with administrating the program and continue meeting the customer service level FarmCash is known for, said Khurram.
Producers interested in the program can apply online starting March 15. They can have access to up to $1 million in funds within three to five business days after their application is complete, said the release.