CALGARY, AB (October 15, 2026) - Following a comprehensive review of our strategic direction, including the FarmCash program, the Alberta Grains Board of Directors has made the decision to wind down FarmCash operations. The Board determined that continuing to administer the Advance Payments Program through FarmCash no longer aligns with the long-term strategic priorities and goals of Alberta Grains.

The structured wind-down begins October 15, 2026, with FarmCash operations finalized in 2027. Alberta Grains will manage the transition carefully, support affected employees and provide existing FarmCash producers with direct information about their next steps.

From October 15 to November 15, 2026, only producers with an existing Spring Advance through FarmCash may apply for an additional advance through FarmCash, subject to standard program requirements. After this period, producers will need to work with their new administrator for future advances.

Existing FarmCash producers will receive direct communication identifying the options available to them including administrators, applicable transition window and any required next steps. The FarmCash team will remain available throughout the transition to address producer questions and support the process.

Alberta Grains sincerely thanks the FarmCash team for its dedication, professionalism and service to producers. The decision reflects the organization’s strategic direction and is not a reflection of the team’s performance or contributions.

Producer transition information is available at farmcashadvance.com. 

For FarmCash specific inquires, please contact: info@farmcashadvance.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Advance Payments Program itself ending?

No.

This announcement concerns the role of FarmCash as an administrator. It is not an announcement that the Advance Payments Program is ending.

If I’m an active FarmCash producer, what are my next steps?

The FarmCash team will be contacting its producers once each has been assigned an administrator. If you would prefer to select your own administrator, please let us know your preferred choice. We will work with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the respective administrators to facilitate the transfer of your file accordingly.

Who are the advance payment administrators available to producers?

A list of approved administrators can be found here: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/advance-payments/program-administrators

When will FarmCash close?

The structured wind-down begins October 15, 2026, with FarmCash operations finalized in 2027.

What is the final payment date for livestock producers?

For PY2025 Livestock producers final date for payment is March 31, 2027.

For subsequent program years, please contact your new administrator.

Are transfers automatic and guaranteed?

Producers should follow their individual notices, which will explain any required documentation, consent, acceptance conditions and deadlines. We cannot make a blanket assurance about individual account outcomes.

Will interest rates, fees or repayment terms change?

Any applicable account-specific terms or changes will be explained in the individual producer transition notice. Producers with questions should contact info@farmcashadvance.com. FarmCash cannot make general assurances that all terms will remain unchanged.

Can producers still apply through FarmCash?

From October 15 to November 15, 2026, only producers with an existing Spring Advance through FarmCash may apply for an additional advance, subject to normal program requirements. After that period, producers will need to work with their new administrator for future advances.

What happens to applications submitted before the cutoff?

The FarmCash team will provide the confirmed instructions for pending applications directly to affected producers.

Will producers face a financing gap?

We understand that timing matters. Producers will receive account-specific transition package with instructions and should contact FarmCash promptly about urgent requirements. Future advance approval and timing depend on the receiving (new) administrator’s requirements.

About Alberta Grains:

Alberta Grains is a farmer-directed, not-for-profit organization that represents Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers. Through research, advocacy and extension, Alberta Grains works to improve the profitability and long-term sustainability of the grain industry.

Media Contact:

Harley Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing
Alberta Grains
media@albertagrains.com
403-371-2132