Manitoba and Federal Agriculture Ministers announce new Indigenous support funding

New funding is now available for initiatives to support Indigenous participation, address barriers and build on opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food economy from the federal and provincial governments.

From the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced the change.

“Ensuring Indigenous communities and organizations are equipped with the agricultural knowledge, skills, and technology to increase their participation in the agricultural economy is critical,” said MacAulay. “We recognize that Indigenous communities have diverse and unique realities and the flexibility of the programs announced today reflects that diversity. Fostering relationships and working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples will support inclusive growth of the agri-food sector and contribute to economic reconciliation.”

Two streams of funding have been established for the program aimed to support access to funding and develop the relationship with Indigenous peoples. 

• Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems: supports actions and activities that increase food security and sovereignty in communities, including supporting and enhancing the revitalization of traditional food systems and increased participation in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
• Relationship Development and Engagement: supports actions and activities that engage and enhance relationships between Indigenous Peoples, industry, and academia with an aim to encourage collaboration and advance opportunities in agriculture.

“Food security and sovereignty are critical, and these funding streams will empower communities in developing food systems solutions that enhance access to affordable and nutritious food while increasing economic opportunities through sustainable and culturally respectful methods,” said Johnson. “Our government is addressing barriers to Indigenous participation in agriculture and agri-food with funding to improve access to training and capacity-building, capital investments, food system development and expansion, agriculture planning, and increasing youth involvement.”

Programming has also been developed in an effort to increase Indigenous sector participation, establish and grow food systems, and support partnerships and collaboration.

The Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems program will provide funding across four funding streams:

• Planning and consulting activities, up to a maximum of $80,000.
• Training activities, up to a maximum of $10,000.
• Enhancing Indigenous food systems activities, up to a maximum of $200,000.
• Capital equipment and software activities, with a 50 per cent government and 50 per cent applicant cost-sharing up to a maximum of $50,000 in funding.

The Engagement and Relationship Development program will also provide small funding grants of up to $5,000 per application to support meaningful engagement activities prior to exploring ideas and initiating projects.