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: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.