Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding is available as of April 1
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Saskatchewan’s share of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) has been revealed.
Under CAP, the five-year, $3 billion plan that replaces Growing Forward 2, the provincial and federal governments will invest a total of $388 million into Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
Ottawa will contribute 60 per cent of the funding ($232,800,000) and Saskatchewan’s provincial government will provide the remaining 40 per cent ($155,200,000).
The governments will make funding available as of April 1. The money will be distributed to initiatives that fall within one of six categories.
Programs related to science, research and innovation will receive $191.5 million over CAP’s duration, and programs related to the environment and climate change will receive $70.5 million.
The governments are investing $48 million into risk management, $30 million for value-added agriculture, $8.5 million for public trust initiatives and $7.5 million for trade and market development.
An additional $32 million will be allocated to activities delivered by the federal government on behalf of the Province.
Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, is optimistic the funding will allowfarmers to be competitive on the global market.
“This joint investment supports continued growth and profitability for Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry,” he said in a statement today.
“The programs, services and investments supported by the agreement are responsive to the needs of Saskatchewan’s industry now and in the future.”
Five other provinces have revealed their CAP funding levels.
Over CAP’s five years, Ontario will receive $1.5 billion and Quebec will receive $293 million. Provincial and federal governments will invest $406 million into Alberta’s agricultural sector and $176 million into Manitoba’s ag industry.
Industry reaction
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is optimistic about how the funding can help the provincial ag industry.
“Agriculture is an essential part of the Saskatchewan economy and APAS is pleased to see this financial commitment from the Federal and Provincial Governments,” APAS president Todd Lewis told Farms.com in an email today.“We look forward to learning more about the details of the various program envelopes. We also look forward to working with both Governments over the coming year on the review of the Business Risk Management programs under CAP, like Crop Insurance, Agri-Stability and Agri-Invest."