Growing Forward 2 Programs Launched in Nova Scotia

Minister of Agriculture John MacDonell and federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced details today, May 29, in Shubenacadie, of the new bilateral agreement for the agriculture and agri-food sector in Nova Scotia under Growing Forward 2.

"By working with our federal partners, we have secured significant funding to help strengthen our agri-food industry," said Mr. MacDonell. "Growing Forward 2 is an investment in the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of Nova Scotia agriculture, helping our industry to be more innovative and sustainable."

Growing Forward 2 is a renewed commitment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to ensure productivity and profitability for Canada's agricultural sector. With a focus on innovation, competitiveness, and market development, Growing Forward 2 programs will help the industry seize future opportunities and realize its full potential as a major driver of the Canadian economy. Programs are also tailored with the flexibility to meet Nova Scotia's diverse regional requirements.

"Our government remains focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Nova Scotia's agriculture industry," said Mr. Ritz. "Growing Forward 2 provides flexible, innovative programming for Nova Scotia's hard-working producers to ensure that the industry has the tools available to remain innovative and competitive, as well as to grow in new and existing markets."

Over the next five years $37 million in federal and provincial funding will be invested in three primary areas in Nova Scotia: innovation, competitiveness and markets and adaptability and industry capacity.

The new five-year Growing Forward 2 agreement includes $2 billion for federal-provincial-territorial strategic initiatives, a 50 per cent increase in cost-shared funding, as well as $1 billion for federal-only strategic initiatives. The federal government has announced details of its three federal programs: AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness.

Under Growing Forward 2 governments will continue to offer ongoing funding for a complete and effective suite of Business Risk Management programs to ensure farmers are protected against severe market volatility and disasters.

There will be a series of information meetings across Nova Scotia on Monday, June 3rd. For more details on meeting locations and times, visit, http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/.

For more information on Growing Forward 2, visit www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward2.