If you’re a livestock producer in Ontario and are wondering where the renewal form is for the Risk Management Program, wonder no more: they haven’t been sent out yet.
The usual deadline to enrol lamb, cattle, hogs, and veal sales for the current year is April, however last year and this year’s deadlines were pushed forward due to COVID-19. Still, the June 30th deadline is fast approaching, but those who have tried to fill out the forms online have discovered the forms for 2021 are simply not there.
When asked, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) said the RMP has not yet launched for sheep or any of the other plans, including cattle, hogs, and veal. Grains and oilseeds RMP has not launched either, but the department says that the later timing will not have an impact on coverage.
For livestock, customers must report sales either quarterly or semi-annually. The semi-annual report to June 30 is due July 31.
“Customers can be assured that their coverage will be in place. Agricorp will be sending renewal packages and opening the application period a little later than usual, but I can assure you that customers do not need to do anything at this time, including reporting their sales for the RMP for livestock program,” a representative wrote in an email to RealAgriculture.
OMAFRA says the delay is because the ministry has been working with agricultural stakeholders to determine how to better meet their needs and help make the RMP more responsive, and that renewals will be sent in the near future when the 2021 program is launched.
Any questions on renewal packages or new registrants can contact Agricorp at [email protected].