New Growing Forward framework will provide stability and long-term benefit for Alberta producers

Post date: Sep 30, 2012 3:30:03 AM

Increased investment in innovation, market development and competitiveness 

Whitehorse... Agriculture Ministers from across Canada agreed in principle to a new five-year Growing Forward policy framework at their annual meeting in Whitehorse today. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Verlyn Olson issued the following statement:

“The new Growing Forward framework will support on-going development and stability in Alberta’s agriculture sector over the next five years. The reality of the current federal budget is that it includes a $252.9 million reduction in agriculture spending over the next three years for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. As a result, there are some modifications to AgriStability and AgriInvest. However, Alberta producers will continue to have access to a strong and effective suite of business risk management programs. The changes allow for an increased focus on programs that enhance research and innovation, competitiveness and market development, which are important priorities for our producers and essential to the long-term success of the industry.

What we have agreed to today is consistent with what producers and stakeholders told us when we met with them this summer. They want investment in strategic programs such as research and innovation, environmental stewardship, food safety, biosecurity, business management, market development, traceability, livestock welfare, energy efficiency and water management.

Existing AgriInsurance programs will remain unchanged under the new framework. In addition, federal-provincial-territorial governments have committed to developing additional insurance options that will work for all producers.

The Alberta Government is committed to a strong and vibrant agriculture sector. Through Growing Forward, we will continue to invest in cost-effective programs that provide the best results for our producers and agriculture industry.”

The Growing Forward framework, which was agreed to in principle today, will set the stage for provincial governments to work on bilateral agreements with the federal government. Alberta-specific programs will be developed and in place for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

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