Agricultural Policy: Growing Forward 2 Launched [April 1, 2013]

Apr 01, 2013

Government of Canada’s GF2 Programs Focus’s on Innovation, Competitiveness and Market Development

Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Canada’s agricultural and agri-food sector five-year policy framework comes into effect April, 1, 2013. The GF2 is an investment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments amounting to $3 billion which mandates agricultural programs and services.

"The Harper Government remains focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We are working with Canadian farmers to move the agriculture and agri-food industry forward to adapt, innovate and compete in markets at home and abroad," said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Growing Forward 2 delivers what the sector needs to position Canadian farmers, producers and processors for growth and prosperity in the years ahead."

The GF2 policy framework focuses on three key components – innovation, completeness and market development. These priorities strive to ensure that Canadian farmers and agri-food processors have the conditions to innovate and capitalize on new market opportunities.

The federal government is in the midst negotiations with the provincial and territorial governments to finalize details on cost-shared programs. Canadian agriculture and agri-food industries account for 8.0% of the country’s total GDP.

Video: Pandemic Risks in Swine - Dr. John Deen

I’m Phil Hord, and I’m excited to kick off my first episode as host on The Swine it Podcast Show. It’s a privilege to begin this journey with you. In this episode, Dr. John Deen, a retired Distinguished Global Professor Emeritus from the University of Minnesota, explains how pandemic threats continue to shape U.S. swine health and production. He discusses vulnerabilities in diagnostics, movement control, and national preparedness while drawing lessons from ASF, avian influenza, and field-level epidemiology. Listen now on all major platforms.

"Pandemic events in swine systems continue to generate significant challenges because early signals often resemble common conditions, creating delays that increase spread and economic disruption."