The Hill: Changing the name doesn’t change a program

That’s the verdict of producers on the new set of national farm programs announced on April 1. ‘To farmers,’ said one, ‘it all looks like the same old thing but less’

by BARRY WILSON

The April 1 launch of the much-hyped next generation of national farm programs was a low-key, modest affair. And, indeed, there was much to be modest about.

The irritatingly named Growing Forward, with its too-cute-by-half component programs AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance and AgriRecovery, was supposed to be a new and improved version of the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS), the reintroduction of the Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA), an expanded crop insurance program to include livestock and a new disaster program.

Better Farming - May 2008