The initiative is aimed at those who have not benefited from other farm programming.
Agriculture Minister, Chuck Strahl, says the $550 million, 2-year pilot project will provide short term income support to lower income farm families.
To be eligible, producers must have gross farm revenues of $50,000 and a total net income of less than $25,000 for families and $15,000 for individuals.
To receive a payment, applicants must also commit to completing a farm business assessment, or a skills upgrade within 2 years of their application.
Payments will bring the total income of a family to a maximum of $25,000 and $15,000 for individuals.
It's estimated 26,000 farmers are eligible for the options program.