Government of Canada’s GF2 Programs Focus’s on Innovation, Competitiveness and Market Development
By Amanda Brodhagen, 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.