“The creation of the Emergency On-Farm Support Fund (EOFSF) was first announced on July 31, 2020 to provide support to farmers for direct infrastructure improvements to living quarters and workstations, temporary or emergency housing (on or off-farm), as well as personal protective equipment, sanitary stations, and any other health and safety measures to safeguard the heath and safety of Canadian and temporary foreign workers from COVID-19. Given the emergency nature and the immediate need for funding by producers and ranchers to protect their workers’ health and safety, IAF stepped up as an organization with a successful program delivery history. They collaboratively and effectively worked with federal officials in the midst of COVID-19 – displaying flexibility and adaptability to changing timelines; swiftly and efficiently launching the EOFSF and prioritizing applications; and processing payments in a timely manner – demonstrating their experience in working with meeting the needs of both industry and government.”

Michael Silverman, Acting Director, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada