CCGA to increase interest-free canola advance payments

Changes to the Agricultural Marketing Programs Regulations are in effect, doubling the interest-free portion for canola advances under the Advance Payments Program (APP).

Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), which administers the APP in western Canada, began issuing cash advances at these new limits on Friday.

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For the 2025 and 2026 program years, farmers will have access to up to $500,000 interest free and a maximum eligible advance of $1 million. For 2025, the interest-free component includes up to $250,000 for any commodity eligible under the program, plus an additional $250,000 for canola only.

Dave Gallant, CCGA’s vice-president of finance & APP operations, said with the increased interest-free limit for canola being in place as of Sept. 16, CCGA will reassess all current 2025 customer advances and reallocate the interest-free and interest-bearing portions of those advances in a way that maximizes the interest-free benefits available to eligible farmers.

“We are responding quickly so that all farmers can benefit from this change and will notify existing customers about the program changes and any actions required on their part,” Gallant said.

For 2025, farmers can apply for up to $1 million in financing with up to $500,000 interest free, and the remaining at CCGA’s interest-bearing rate of prime less 0.25 per cent.

First-time applicants were encouraged to apply through CCGA’s contact center. Returning customers can also use the self-serve options available in their online account at ccga.ca.

The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan program administered by CCGA. It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low-interest cash advances.