Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Verlyn Olson announced the signing of the Canada-Alberta Growing Forward 2 agreement.
“Our Government is focused on the priorities of Canadians – jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. This agreement is an important milestone in our continued efforts to deliver effective programs that farmers need to compete in global markets, while positioning Canada as a strong leader in agriculture,” said Minister Ritz. “We will continue to work together to ensure that targeted investments in priority areas benefit the entire sector through increased productivity, jobs and economic growth.”
Alberta’s farmers and the agri-food sector will benefit from a $406 million investment provided through more than 30 new or enhanced programs focused on priorities like international market development, food safety, agri-business innovation, research and environmental management.
This funding is part of the $3 billion Growing Forward 2 initiative announced in 2012 and highlighted in Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013. The five-year agreement with provincial and territorial governments supports innovation, competitiveness and market development in agriculture.
“As the province’s largest renewable resource industry, agriculture holds tremendous potential,” said Minister Olson. “Through Growing Forward 2, we are providing our producers and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build their businesses and further diversify Alberta’s economy.”
Growing Forward 2 focuses on the future prosperity of the sector, with a more than 50 per cent increase in cost-shared investment in strategic initiatives and programs to strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Canadian agriculture.
For more information about Growing Forward 2, visit www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward2. Starting April 2, producers and others involved in Alberta’s agriculture industry can explore the programs and determine their eligibility at www.growingforward.alberta.ca.
Source : Alberta Ag and Forestry