Minister MacAulay announces interest-free limit under the Advance Payments Program will be set at $250,000 for 2025

Mar 11, 2025

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government of Canada will set the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program at $250,000 for the 2025 program year. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers.

The Advance Payments Program gives producers easy access to low-cost cash advances of up to $1 million, based on the expected value of their agricultural product. Under the program, producers typically receive the first $100,000 interest-free. The higher limit announced today will result in interest savings for producers while increasing access to cash flow to help cover costs until they sell their products.

With this support at the beginning of the production cycle, farmers will be able to purchase essential inputs and cover their costs to support production this growing season. More importantly, the program offers marketing flexibility, enabling producers to sell their agricultural products when it is most advantageous, rather than being forced to sell for immediate cash needs, which is especially crucial in times of uncertainty. The Government of Canada remains committed to helping producers manage financial challenges so they can continue driving the economy.

Click here to see more...

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.