Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy said today that new agriculture initiatives outlined in the recent federal Throne Speech should help support implementation of the province's Food Strategy goals. Speaking to the annual awards banquet of the Prince Edward Island 4-H Council, Mr. Murphy said the federal initiatives should help the industry in this province become more economically and environmentally sustainable.
The federal Throne Speech said the government would help Canada's agriculture sector move beyond crisis management, leading to more diversification and value-added growth, new investments and employment, better land use and higher standards of environmental stewardship and food safety.
"These are the objectives we have established under our Food Strategy, and I am pleased they are now reflected in federal policy," said Mr. Murphy. "I would very much welcome the support and participation of the federal government in programs that will help our industry become more productive and sustainable."
Mr. Murphy said Prince Edward Island is already leading the rest of Canada through the Environmental Farm Plan process, legislated buffer zones, a pesticide reduction strategy and on-farm financial support for conservation projects. While acknowledging the many challenges facing the industry, the minister also focussed on its opportunities.
"I would look forward to a new partnership between both levels of government and producers to help us achieve our goals in these and other areas," said Mr. Murphy.