From a news release
Expanding markets and fostering innovative and sustainable growth are the main goals of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3 billion investment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Last July, federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture came to an agreement on the key elements of the partnership. Speaking Friday at Agribition in Regina, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the program, which is set to launch on April 1, 2018.
Under the partnership, the federal government is committing to targeted investments with a focus on the following priorities: growing trade and expanding markets; innovative and sustainable growth of the sector; and, supporting diversity and a dynamic, evolving sector.
“This is an exciting new chapter for agriculture in Canada. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s federal initiatives show our Government’s strong agenda for growth in agriculture and agri-food – one that will help build an even stronger, more innovative and sustainable sector,” said MacAulay. “It will ensure Canadian farmers and food processors are well positioned to meet the world’s growing demand for our high-quality products while creating well-paying middle-class jobs and delivering prosperity for communities across the country.”
Six federal programs will support these priorities and ensure the sector’s long-term prosperity:
AgriMarketing – Aims to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities through industry-led promotional activities that differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high quality and safe food. The program is for national industry associations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
AgriCompetitiveness – Supports the markets and trade priority by assisting industry-led efforts to help the agriculture and agri-food sector leverage, coordinate and build on existing capacity, enhance safety, adapt to changing commercial and regulatory environments, share best practices, and provide mentorship opportunities.
AgriScience – Designed to accelerate the pace of innovation by supporting pre-commercialization activities and investing in cutting-edge research to benefit the agricultural and agri-food sector. Within the Program there are two components: Clusters and Projects. Applications for the Clusters component are now being accepted. Industry groups interested in submitting an application are encouraged to call 613-759-1977 or email aip-pai@agr.gc.ca.
AgriInnovate – Will accelerate the commercialization and/or adoption of innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes or services. The program will support agribusinesses to get their innovations into the market or to adopt leading-edge technologies and processes.
AgriDiversity – Will strengthen the sector and build its capacity by helping diverse groups to take a greater leadership role, building the entrepreneurial capacity and business skills of under-represented groups, facilitating the sharing of industry experience, best practices and knowledge, help under-represented groups to manage transformation, and strengthen the sector by incorporating the views of a more diverse set of industry players.
AgriAssurance – Will enable the industry to make meaningful and verifiable claims about the health and safety of Canadian agricultural products. It will also build industry capacity to increase public confidence in the food system, respond to market requirements and meet consumer demand. The program is for national industry associations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
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