Weekly Update
May 26, 2020
There is a special resource page on the SNLA website where updates will be shared as they happen. Visit   www.snla.ca .
Statement from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The statement dated May 19 announced expansion of the eligibility to the Canada Emergency Business Account is a big deal for farmers across the country.

“We heard from many farmers that the Canada Emergency Business Account did not work for them, because many did not meet the payroll criteria.

We listened to their concerns, and changed the eligibility to ensure farmers without payroll
can now access the $40,000 interest-free loan available under CEBA – up to $10,000 of
which is forgiven if the rest is repaid by December 31, 2022.

In dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, our Government has consistently said that we are
prioritizing speed, and we continue to fill the gaps.

For those farmers who are still unable to access CEBA, they can turn towards the Regional
Relief and Recovery Fund.

Farmers can be assured that we have their back, and we are continuing to roll-out supports
for our agriculture sector.”
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
 
Survey for Growers to Support CNLA Advocacy for Financial Aid
CNLA would like to ask some general questions relating to how your nursery farm and staffing have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, since the last survey was conducted in April. The survey is designed to quantify changes in sales, staffing and business conditions across Canada for primary nursery production.

Note: If you also own a retail garden centre, please limit responses to the farming portion of your business. Garden Centres Canada has issued a survey for the retail side of your business.

Our goal is to provide confidential responses to governmental agencies in an effort to ease the financial burden to farm owners, their staff and families.

All responses will be held in strictest confidence and no individual responses will be shared. Flowers Canada has released a follow up survey to its members too, and we will combine responses to provide the full impact to ornamental horticulture in Canada. 

Any questions or suggestions you may have with regards to this survey can be directed to Jamie Aalbers, Growers Manager ( jamie@canadanursery.com )
Garden Centres Canada Getting a Pulse in How You Are Doing!
GCC would like to ask if you to take 10 minutes and complete a confidential 20 question survey.


We understand that this is a busy time of year, especially due to COVID-19. It is however important to catch valuable information “in the moment” in order to help us in the future.

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to expand your feedback, please feel free to reach out to Anne at anne@canadanursery.com.
There is a special resource page on the SNLA website where updates will be shared as they happen. Visit   www.snla.ca .