Farm Input Price Index

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The Farm Input Price Index increased 2.9% in the fourth quarter compared with the previous quarter. This increase followed a 0.5% advance between the second and third quarter of 2010.

The category that contributed the most to the quarterly increase in Canada was crop production, up 4.4%.

Alberta was the largest contributor to the national advance, increasing 3.4% in the fourth quarter.

Canadian farm input prices rose 4.0% between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the fourth quarter of 2010. Alberta (+6.9%) was the largest contributor to the increase in farm input prices during this period.

At the Canada level, animal production (+5.2%) was the category with the largest increase between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the fourth quarter of 2010. This advance was in large part a result of increases in livestock prices (+17.4%).

Note: Until 2007, the Farm Input Price Index (FIPI) was published annually, and the geographic information provided was limited. The index was then redesigned and the methodology used to compile the data revised. With the changes in methodology, the FIPI is now published quarterly and provides more detailed geographic information.

National data sources are used for some major components of the FIPI (such as depreciation on machinery, grains and oilseeds). In reality, input prices may fluctuate differently from province to province. Users should exercise caution in interpreting the data.

For more information about the new methodology and an introduction to the redesigned index, go to the "Definitions, data sources and methods" section by clicking on survey number 2305, which appears below.

Available on CANSIM: table 328-0015.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2305.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Client Services (toll-free 1-888-951-4550; 613-951-4550; fax: 613-951-3117; ppd-info-dpp@statcan.gc.ca), Producer Prices Division.