NLIS 1
April 8, 2004
(Natural Resources)

 

New farm planning services now available

Agricultural producers in Newfoundland and Labrador now have access to two new programs designed to help them improve their businesses. Under the Specialized Business Planning Services (SBPS), producers are eligible for assistance with business and marketing planning. The Planning and Assessment for Value-Added Enterprises Program (PAVE) is available to qualified producers who are considering establishing or expanding a value-added enterprise.

"The federal government is working to ensure all Canadian producers have the right mix of tools to direct the growth and competitiveness of their businesses," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Bob Speller. "With Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada is responding to producers� clearly expressed needs and is offering these new programs as assurance our agriculture sector remains the world�s best on all counts."

"In this province we do have a vibrant agri-foods industry which has shown tremendous growth over the last few years," said Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources. "We view the agriculture industry as one of the key areas to get our economy growing and one which can have far-reaching impacts for all areas of the province, particularly in our rural communities. We are committed to helping agricultural producers gain access to business advisory services that will strengthen their position in the market and enable them to capture new opportunities in the value-added sector."

"The PAVE program comes from the combined efforts of governments and stakeholders to ensure producers become more competitive and add value to their businesses," said Mark Eyking, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "The initiative will strengthen the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agri-food sector by encouraging sound planning and decision-making."

The two programs are part of the renewal element of the Agricultural Policy Framework implementation agreement signed by Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada in May 2003.

PAVE will be available to producers considering establishing or expanding a value-added enterprise. Eligible producers will have access to funds to help pay for the services of a business-planning professional to develop feasibility assessments and/or comprehensive business plans for specific, value-added enterprises. This planning will make it easier for producers to make informed decisions about their ventures.

The SBPS will help producers prepare detailed plans for their farm operations with funding to help pay for consultants. These plans can cover areas such as diversification, marketing, human resources, expansion, risk management or succession. These services will be available to producers who are seeking targeted business or succession plans.

There is significant funding available under the programs. Eligible participants under PAVE may receive funding up to 50 per cent of the consultant�s eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 a farmer. Group applications may also be considered for funding to a maximum of $25,000. Eligible participants under SBPS may receive funding up to 50 per cent of the consultant�s eligible costs for preparing a business or succession plan up to a maximum of $8,000 a farmer.

Producers are eligible for PAVE and SBPS if they are engaged in agricultural production and have a minimum of $10,000 in annual gross farm sales. Those who intend to establish a farm business or are owners/operators of a new farm business may also be eligible if they can demonstrate they will have $10,000 in annual gross farm sales.

For applications and information on the PAVE and SBPS programs, producers can apply and obtain more details by calling Lynn Kendall, program co-ordinator, Department of Natural Resources at (709) 637-2647.

Media contact:

Carla Ventin
Press Secretary
Minister Speller�s Office
(613) 759-1346

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972

Carmel Turpin
Department of Natural Resources
Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-5282

2004 04 08                10:30 a.m.


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