Open
Farm Debt Mediation Service
Free mediation service helping insolvent Canadian farmers negotiate debt arrangements with creditors
Last Update: March 24, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Regina, Winnipeg, Canada
Overview
The Farm Debt Mediation Service is a free, confidential mediation program for Canadian farmers experiencing financial difficulties. It brings farmers and their creditors together with a neutral mediator to reach mutually acceptable debt arrangements. Two options are available: mediation with a temporary stay of proceedings protecting the farmer's assets, or mediation without a stay. A financial consultant guides farmers through the process, including the development of a recovery plan.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Regina, Winnipeg
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Mediation between farmers and creditors to reach mutually acceptable debt arrangements.
- Financial counselling and development of a recovery plan with the assistance of a qualified financial consultant.
- Mediation with a stay of proceedings (Section 5(1)(a)) providing temporary protection from creditor actions.
- Mediation without a stay of proceedings (Section 5(1)(b)) for farmers who foresee financial difficulties.
Documents Needed
- 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)
Eligibility
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).
Processing and Agreement
- 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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Farm Debt Mediation Service Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Farm Debt Mediation Service. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Farm Debt Mediation Service?
The Farm Debt Mediation Service is a free, confidential mediation program for Canadian farmers experiencing financial difficulties. It brings farmers and their creditors together with a neutral mediator to reach mutually acceptable debt arrangements. Two options are available: mediation with a temporary stay of proceedings protecting the farmer's assets, or mediation without a stay. A financial consultant guides farmers through the process, including the development of a recovery plan.
Who is eligible for the Farm Debt Mediation Service program?
To be eligible for the Farm Debt Mediation Service program, you must:
The applicant must farm commercially and produce agricultural products for sale.
The applicant must be insolvent and unable to meet financial obligations.
No prior application under the same section within the past two years.
What expenses are eligible under Farm Debt Mediation Service?
Mediation between farmers and creditors to reach mutually acceptable debt arrangements.
Financial counselling and development of a recovery plan with the assistance of a qualified financial consultant.
Mediation with a stay of proceedings (Section 5(1)(a)) providing temporary protection from creditor actions.
Mediation without a stay of proceedings (Section 5(1)(b)) for farmers who foresee financial difficulties.
Who can I contact for more information about the Farm Debt Mediation Service?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.fdms-smmea.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-452-5556.
Where is the Farm Debt Mediation Service available?
The Farm Debt Mediation Service program is available across Canada.
Is the Farm Debt Mediation Service a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Farm Debt Mediation Service is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the Farm Debt Mediation Service?
Farm Debt Mediation Service is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Government of Canada