Important Update: AgriInvest Environmental Risk Management Requirement for 2025

Posted on June 17th, 2025 in Agribusiness

As part of the federal government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, new environmental compliance requirements are being introduced for the 2025 AgriInvest program year. If you are an AgriInvest participant, it is essential to understand how these changes may affect eligibility for government matching contributions.

Who Is Affected?

Producers with an average Allowable Net Sales (ANS) of $1 million or more over the 2022–2024 program years must complete and declare a valid Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment (AERA) to receive matching government contributions in 2025.

What Is an Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment?

An AERA is a structured evaluation of environmental risks on a farming operation. It covers areas such as:

• Soil and nutrient management
• Water use and biodiversity
• Crop and pest management
• Waste and pollution control
• Energy efficiency and livestock practices

The goal is to help producers identify risks and adopt sustainable practices that improve farm resilience and environmental outcomes.

Key Deadlines

• AERA must be valid during your 2025 fiscal year
• Declaration must be submitted via your My AAFC Account
• AgriInvest form deadlines:
  • June 30, 2026 (submit without penalty)
  • September 30, 2026 (final deadline with penalty)

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to declare a valid AERA will result in no government matching contribution for the 2025 program year—even if you make a deposit.

How Long Is the AERA Valid?

Once completed, the AERA is valid until March 31, 2028, and can be used for multiple program years if still within the validity period.

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Handy AgriInvest Environmental Compliance Checklist:

 

√   Confirm your average ANS for 2022–2024

√   Complete an Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment (AERA)

√   Ensure the AERA is valid during your 2025 fiscal year

√   Submit your declaration via your My AAFC Account

√   Mark the deadlines: June 30, 2026: Submit forms to receive full benefits and September 30, 2026: Final deadline (with penalties if late)

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For more information on the AgriInvest program, please visit: agriculture.canada.ca/agriinvest.