The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Prince Edward Island Agriculture and Forestry Minister George Webster, today welcomed the launch of Growing Forward 2 programs for the agricultural sector in Prince Edward Island.
“The Harper Government remains focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Prince Edward Island’s agriculture industry,” said Minister Shea. “Growing Forward 2 provides over 50 per cent more funding for flexible, innovative programming for Prince Edward Island’s hard-working producers. This will ensure that the industry has the tools available to remain innovative and competitive, as well as to grow in new and existing markets.”
The announcement follows the signing of the Canada-Prince Edward Island Growing Forward 2 bilateral agreement.
Over the next five years, $37 million in federal and provincial funding will be invested in new and traditional programs covering research and innovation, market and business development, assurance systems and environmental stewardship.
“Under the renewed agreement we are increasing investments in innovation, competitiveness, and market development to generate strong economic growth in agriculture in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Webster. “We are working closely with the agriculture and the agri-food community to increase market returns for farmers and add value to Island products.”
Growing Forward 2 is a renewed commitment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to ensure productivity and profitability for Canada’s agricultural sector. With a focus on innovation, competitiveness, and market development, Growing Forward 2 programs are designed to help the industry position itself to respond to future opportunities and to realize its full potential as a significant contributor to the Canadian economy. Programs are also tailored with the flexibility to meet diverse regional requirements.
The new five-year Growing Forward 2 agreement includes $2 billion for federal-provincial-territorial strategic initiatives, a 50 per cent increase in cost-shared funding, as well as $1 billion for federal-only strategic initiatives. Canada has announced details of its three federal programs: AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness.
Under Growing Forward 2, governments will continue to offer ongoing funding for a complete and effective suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to ensure farmers are protected against severe market volatility and natural disasters.
For more information on Growing Forward 2, visit www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward2.
A complete list of Growing Forward 2 programs in Prince Edward Island is available at www.gov.pe.ca/GF2.
BACKGROUNDER
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CANADA-PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND BILATERAL AGREEMENT
The Government of Canada and the province of Prince Edward Island have concluded negotiations and have signed the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) bilateral agreement. This agreement details the GF2 strategic initiatives that will be offered by Prince Edward Island as part of the federal and provincial cost-shared investment of $37 million for Prince Edward Island.
The strategic initiatives are designed to complement existing Business Risk Management programming with a greater focus on three key areas:
• innovation
• competitiveness and market development
• adaptability and industry capacity
Programs being launched in Prince Edward Island include:
INNOVATION
Agriculture Research and Innovation Program
This program supports short-term applied research and innovative projects that yield positive economic benefits for Prince Edward Island.
Supporting On-Farm Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The Environmental Farm Program (EFP) program provides a voluntary, confidential self-assessment process for farmers to evaluate the environmental risks and strengths of their operations and to develop a plan to address those risks and strengths.
The Agriculture Stewardship Program provides financial and technical support to assist producers with the adoption of beneficial management practices pertaining to on-farm projects that reduce environmental risk and help to protect the quality of soil, water, air and biodiversity resources.
Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS)
This program encourages land owners to voluntarily implement beneficial management practices that reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.
COMPETITIVENESS AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Strategic Industry Growth Initiative
This program will be developed to support projects that increase agriculture’s competitiveness and have broad industry benefits. This program will be launched at a later date.
Product and Market Development Program
This program assists producers and agri-businesses with new product and market development.
Assurance Systems Program
This initiative supports industry with projects that encourage food safety, bio-security, traceability, animal welfare, animal-plant health, emergency management, quality assurance and surveillance.
Organic Industry Development Program
This program accelerates the adoption of certified organic production and processing technology, encourages strategic growth, market development, and the implementation of competitive pest management practices.
Agriculture Livestock Enhancement Program
This program supports industry with projects that improve product quality and production efficiency through genetic enhancement, herd health improvement and feed efficiency.
ADAPTABILITY AND INDUSTRY CAPACITY
Business Development Program
This program encourages strong management practices through skills training, business practice assessment, and business planning assistance.
Future Farmer Program
This program is designed to attract new farmers to the industry and help them establish profitable and sustainable farm businesses through coaching, skills training, and business planning.
4-H Program
This program is designed to further the development of rural youth and encourage their participation in the farm community.