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Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) Frequently Asked Questions
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| Top of Page | Q1. What is the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service program?The Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program is a Renewal program under the federal-provincial-territorial Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). CASS provides farmers and their spouses (or common-law partners) with opportunities to access skills assessment and training with the goal of improving their farm profitability and net family income. As a qualified CASS participant, you will receive professional assistance to develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Depending on your net family income, you may also receive financial assistance to complete the activities in your Plan. Q2. Who delivers the program in Ontario?The Colleges of Ontario Network for Education and Training (CON*NECT) delivers CASS in Ontario, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). CON*NECT is your one point of contact for all program details. Q3. What will CON*NECT do for me?CON*NECT is your one point of contact for all program details. CON*NECT will;
| Top of Page | Q4. Am I eligible for this program?CASS eligibility is based on two levels of requirements.
| Top of Page | The following chart outlines your net family income and eligibility for CASS benefits: | Top of Page | Q5. What are the definitions of established producer and beginning farmer?CASS distinguishes between beginning farmers and established producers. You are an established producer if you have been actively engaged in commercial agricultural production for at least 6 years. You are a beginning farmer if you have been a producer for less than 6 years, or if you can demonstrate your firm intention to become a farmer in the near future. Q6. What is the definition of net family income?Consistent with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) definition, this is; The total of the applicant's net income and his/her spouse's or common-law partner's net income as per line 236 on the CRA Notice of Assessment. Q7. Is my spouse or common-law partner eligible for CASS benefits?Both you and your spouse or common-law partner are eligible for the maximum benefits based on your net family income. For example, a producer and a spouse with a three-year average net family income of no more than $35,000 may each receive up to $16,000 in financial benefits for approved learning costs. | Top of Page | Q8. I am part of a Corporation. Am I still eligible to apply?Members of a group enterprise such as a corporation or partnership, and spouses, may be eligible for CASS funding. Applicants must establish that they meet both the definition of an agricultural producer and the income criteria for participation. Q9. How do I apply for CASS?Applications for CASS can be obtained online see Related Links in the
last section. CON*NECT CASS Centre | Top of Page | Q10. What are the benefits of CASS?There are 3 stages of benefits of the CASS program.
| Top of Page | Q11. My spouse works off the farm. Does her income count towards my eligibility?Yes. Eligibility requires that all income (on farm and off farm) be used when determining net family income. Q12. What type of training can I participate in using CASS benefits?CASS will support participants who undertake skills development and training to support their goals of increasing their farm profitability and net family income. Three potential areas of training include;
Q13. I am a beginning farmer. What type of training am I eligible for?It is expected that the learning activities of a beginning farmer will focus on developing farm-related knowledge and skills for the purpose of enhancing direct farm income. | Top of Page | Q14. What happens after I send in my application form?Your application form will be received and reviewed by the CON*NECT CASS Centre. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be sent a confirmation letter along with a list of Skills Assessment Advisors in your area. You will be asked to contact a Skills Assessment Advisor to begin the development of your needs assessment and Individual Learning Plan. Q15. Where should I go for more information?You can obtain more information from the websites listed under Related Links. You can also contact the CON*NECT CASS Centre. | Top of Page | Related Links
| Top of Page | For more information:Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Local: (519) 826-4047 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca |
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