“Because this is a new program, producers will need more time to determine how it can best meet the needs of their operations and that is why the deadlines have been extended,” said Mr. MacAdam. “Staff of my department are available to meet with producers individually or in groups to review program details and provide the information they require to make a decision on the level of coverage they need.”

The CAIS program was introduced this year to provide both income stabilization and disaster protection. Under the program, both producers and governments share in losses. The government share increases as losses deepen. Program payments are triggered when production margins decline relative to previous years’ average.

“At a time when a number of commodities are experiencing difficult markets, producers need protection against both small and big drops in income,” said Mr. MacAdam. “We will be closely monitoring the CAIS program to ensure it is doing the job for which it was intended.”