Farm Debt Mediation Service

• Completed Application for mediation form (PDF)
• List of all secured and unsecured creditors with contact information
• Estimated value of all farm assets
• Farmer(s) authorization signature
• Notice of Intent by Secured Creditor (if applicable)

Who is eligible?

• Farmers engaged in commercial agricultural production.
• Individuals, cooperatives, partnerships, or other associations engaged in farming.
• Farmers producing crops, livestock, poultry, eggs, milk, honey, maple syrup, or other agricultural products for sale.
• Insolvent farmers who have received a Notice of Intent from a secured creditor or foresee financial difficulties.

Who is not eligible

• Non-farmers or individuals not engaged in commercial agricultural production.
• Farmers who are not insolvent as defined under the Farm Debt Mediation Act.
• Farmers who have already applied for the same farming operation under the same section within the past two years, unless written consent from the administrator is obtained.
• Businesses or individuals outside the agricultural sector.

Eligible geographic areas

• All Canadian provinces and territories.
• Farmers located anywhere in Canada may apply.
• Regional offices serve Western Canada (Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) and Eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador).

• The farmer must meet the definition of a farmer under the Farm Debt Mediation Act.
• The farmer must be engaged in commercial farming and produce agricultural products for sale.
• The farmer must demonstrate insolvency through one of the prescribed criteria.
• The application must be complete and include all required creditor information and signatures.

• Step 1: Determine Your Application Type
  • Choose between Section 5(1)(a) (if you received a Notice of Intent or believe assets may be seized) or Section 5(1)(b) (if you foresee financial difficulties but have not received notice).
• Step 2: Complete the Application Form
  • Download and fill out the Application for mediation form (PDF), including applicant information, farm owner details, creditor information, and a summary of assets.
• Step 3: Sign and Submit the Application
  • Ensure the farmer(s) authorization page is signed, then submit by email, fax, or mail to the appropriate regional office.
• Step 4: Await Acknowledgement
  • Wait for the acknowledgement notice confirming your application has been received before considering it submitted.

• The administrator reviews the application for completeness and eligibility after submission.
• If accepted, the administrator confirms which section the farmer is eligible for and notifies all listed creditors.
• A qualified financial consultant is assigned to assess the farm's financial situation and develop a recovery plan.
• A neutral mediator is appointed to facilitate confidential mediation meetings between the farmer and creditors.
• If an arrangement is reached, all parties sign it and the FDMS process concludes; if no arrangement is reached, the process terminates.

• The service is free for farmers and is delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
• The majority of cases result in a signed arrangement between the farmer and creditor(s).
• Participation is voluntary for both farmers and creditors.
• Confidentiality is strictly maintained throughout the mediation process.