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

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

By , Farms.com

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.


Trending Video

Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim



In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.