The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to deliver new programs for farm families through the federal-provincial Growing Forward initiative. While progress on Growing Forward continues, existing programs under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) will be extended for up to one year, starting April 1, 2008.

The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, and the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced details about the continuation of programs under the APF.

"Growing Forward is delivering real results for Canadian agriculture and this government is working with the provinces and territories to give farm families stability while we develop important new initiatives," said Minister Ritz. "Providing this stability while delivering progress on Growing Forward is another example of this government's commitment to put farmers first."

"The agreement will ensure that producers in Newfoundland and Labrador have continued access to existing programs, which is critical as we make the transition to the new Growing Forward initiative," Minister Dunderdale says. "The agriculture sector in this province has benefited significantly from this agreement and we look forward to working with our producers to meet their needs and on the continued growth of the industry."

Consultations with industry and between governments will continue so that Growing Forward programs are developed with the needs of sector in mind. "This gives us the time we need to ensure farmers have the voice they deserve in program design," said Minister Ritz.

For more information on APF programs, please visit //www.agr.gc.ca/cb/apf

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