AIDA is also offering special interim payments so producers can get early access to a portion of their 1999 funding and help off-set the costs of getting a crop in the ground. In provinces where the Government of Canada is delivering the program, with the exception of Saskatchewan, producers can receive 60 per cent of their 1999 funding before spring seeding. But AIDA isn't the only option. These accounts are a risk management tool into which producers and federal and provincial governments contribute in good years, building up individual accounts on which farmers can draw in bad years. Participation in NISA is voluntary and the reward is well worth it.
Crop insurance is another risk management tool well worth investing.
Public insurance programs are designed to minimize the financial impact of crop losses caused by natural disasters. They are available in every province with federal and provincial governments combining to cover 65 per cent of their cost. As well, other private risk management tools such as forward contracting can go a long way in ensuring producers receive a more favorable return for their commodities. I encourage farmers to take advantage of every available option. The programs mentioned above may not represent a complete solution to the very serious problems facing many in the sector, but they are designed to help and should be given serious consideration as farmers make their financial decisions about spring seeding.