A number of commodity groups and organizations received allocations under the new Growing Forward program last week
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and other members of Parliament fanned out across Canada making Growing Forward announcements last week under the new agricultural policy framework, Growing Forward 2 and the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP).
The new Growing Forward program doubles its cost-shared funding for strategic initiatives including innovation, competitiveness, and market development.
“Growing Forward 2, like its predecessor, will keep Canadian farmers and processors on the right track — a track of growth and prosperity,” Ritz said.
“Research, innovation, and market development will continue to be hallmarks of Growing Forward 2 so that industry is well positioned to respond to challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the future.”
Read Also
New rules for organic farming on the table
Canada’s organic farmers have until July 29 to comment on new standards that would allow permit more products, but also crack down on organic management lapses.
In addition to ongoing multi-year funding for business risk management programs, Growing Forward 2 will see federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments investing $3 billion in strategic initiatives for innovation, competitiveness, and market development.
Growing Forward 2 is the result of an agreement by the FPT ministers of agriculture in Whitehorse on September 14 on the five-year policy framework. It sets the stage for FPT governments to complete bilateral agreements so programs will be in place by April 1, 2013, when the current Growing Forward policy framework expires.
Among those commodity groups and organizations receiving support are:
- Pulse Canada will receive more than $615,000 through the Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) to research the health and nutritional benefits of pulses. Substantiating the health benefits of pulses could lead to their increased use as new ingredients in processed foods and open opportunities for other profitable uses.
In addition, Pulse Canada and the Canadian Special Crops Association will receive $195,000 through the AgriMarketing Program to introduce, grow, and maintain the presence of Canadian pulses in international markets and to increase the volume of exports.
- Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC) will receive up to $125,000 to build relationships with new and existing buyers and increase the sales, exports, and value of its products overall.
- The Canola Council of Canada will get up to $1.2 million to implement a long-term international strategy increasing awareness and familiarity of canola oil’s health and culinary benefits, increase the usage of canola oil and meal in focus markets, and determine new opportunities and promotional approaches in emerging markets.
- Prince Edward Island Potato Board will get up to $36,000 to work with Canadian potato breeders to select newly registered varieties of seed potatoes that have commercial potential in export markets.
- Funding of up to $120,000 for pasture patron groups in Saskatchewan preparing to take over management of community pastures. Funding will be available to patron groups for up to 75 per cent of the costs associated with establishing legal entities and the development of business plans, up to a maximum of $80,000. In addition, funding will be available for up to 75 per cent of the costs for patrons to improve their business management skills, up to a maximum of $40,000.
Pasture patron groups are eligible for a maximum benefit of up to $120,000 per group. Funding will be provided under the Saskatchewan Farm Business Development Initiative.
- An investment of up to $160,000 to support the Canadian Vintners Association’s ongoing international market development and trade efforts to increase the awareness of the value, quality, and diversity of Canadian wines.
- The Canadian division of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA Canada) will receive $700,000 to develop and enhance international markets for wild blueberries.
