For release: January 29, 2004

CAIS INFORMATION SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONTARIO FARMERS

GUELPH - Ontario farmers can now register to attend free Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program information sessions conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

The CAIS program will allow Ontario farmers to protect their operations from large and small income declines. It will direct government funds to producers by combining stabilization assistance (formerly NISA) and disaster assistance (formerly the Ontario Farm Income Disaster Program) into one program.

The information sessions will give farmers an opportunity to learn more about CAIS and their available options when applying to the program. Dates and locations of the sessions are posted on the OMAF web site at www.omaf.gov.on.ca. To register, farmers can call toll-free
1-877-838-5144.

CAIS is a joint federal/provincial program.

Farmers are reminded that the participation deadline for the 2003 and 2004 CAIS program is
April 30, 2004.

Contacts:
Mary Devorski
Minister's Office
416-326-3077
416-606-8303 (Mobile)

Ellen Funk
Manager, BRM Program Communications Bureau
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
204- 984-5751

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