Open for business: AAFC announces new government programs

Feb 14, 2018

The six programs will help farmers manage risks that threaten the viability of their farms

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

Ontario’s producers and processors can look forward to a new suite of programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).

The federal government announced six new programs – AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriMarketing, AgriAssurance, AgriCompetitiveness and AgriDiversity – during the Canadian Agriculture Day event yesterday in Ottawa.

“Today, I’m proud to announce that these programs are now open for business,” the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food, said at the event.

The new programs will build on existing success, he said.

The partnership “is a five-year $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector,” John Fox, a senior official with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), said during yesterday’s technical briefing. “It contains a continued commitment to business risk management programs that help producers manage significant risks which threaten the viability of their farms that are beyond their capacity to manage.”

The CAP will address existing priorities as well as emerging ones, “such as environmental sustainability, public trust and helping diverse groups develop their skills to take a greater leadership role in the sector,” he said.

With the federal support of $686.5 million in funding, the programs will address three key areas of concern:

1. Growing trade and expanding existing markets

2. Supporting innovation and sustainable growth

3. Increasing diversity and the dynamic nature of the sector

Stakeholders addressed each of these points during the consultation periods, Fox said.

And the agricultural industry will have access to additional funding under the partnership as well.

“Outside of the six federal programs, another $467 million will be dedicated to federally funded activities that benefit producers and processors, and address priorities identified during our consultations with the sector,” he said.

Individuals can access the program guides and application forms on the AAFC website.

The partnership officially launches April 1.

Alex Belomlinsky / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty

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