Natural Resources
August 12, 2014

Growing Forward 2 Supports Agriculture Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador

Local Projects Funded Through Federal-Provincial Initiative

Growing Forward 2 continues to deliver solid results for Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture industry through joint investments in projects that support innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

“Projects funded under Growing Forward 2 are part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to the agriculture and agrifoods industry as a means to diversify the provincial economy. From 2013 to 2015, our government will contribute $4.9 million under Growing Forward 2 whereas over the five-year lifespan of this agreement the province will contribute $14.8 million. During the first Growing Forward Agreement, the Provincial Government provided $10.7 million to help develop the industry and to assist farmers and producers whose innovative ideas are coming to life under these agreements.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

In 2013, the Federal and Provincial Governments invested close to $6 million in 158 projects to introduce more leading-edge technology on farms and in the processing sector, expand markets, bring new land into agricultural production and enhance food safety systems throughout the industry. The funding also supported projects aimed at making the sector more environmentally sustainable and increasing public awareness of the importance of the industry in the province.

Another $6 million will be allocated for an additional 95 projects in Newfoundland and Labrador during 2014.

“Growing Forward 2 emphasizes our commitment to the agricultural industry given its significant contribution to the Canadian economy. Our Government is proud to partner with Newfoundland and Labrador to make targeted investments in priority areas that benefit the entire sector through increased productivity, jobs and growth.”
- The Honourable Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

Growing Forward 2 is a five-year policy framework for Canada’s agriculture sector that came into effect on April 1, 2013. It provides $2 billion for federal-provincial-territorial strategic initiatives nationally, which is a 50 per cent increase in cost-shared innovation funding, as well as $1 billion for federal-only strategic initiatives. Further details on Growing Forward 2 programs can be found in the Backgrounder - Programs Available under Growing Forward 2.

QUICK FACTS

• Under Growing Forward 2, Agriculture Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have committed $37 million over five years for programs that aim to benefit the local industry.
• The biggest investment in the first year of Growing Forward 2 was made in innovation, with $2.2 million to support large-scale berry harvesters, robotic milking equipment, energy efficient greenhouses and improved crop storage facilities.
• Nearly $1.6 million was spent on environmental improvements on farms and in the processing sector, including better systems to manage manure and waste products and the adoption of environmental plans by farmers to reduce environmental risks in their operations.
• More than $520,000 was invested in land clearing to bring new acreage into agricultural production.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods industry is continually developing and diversifying with annual revenues totalling about $130 million. The value of production from the agriculture and agrifoods industry, including secondary processing, is approximately $500 million per year.

- 30 -

BACKGROUNDER
Programs Available Under Growing Forward 2

Growing Forward 2 Programs
Producers, processors and agricultural organizations benefit from Growing Forward 2 funding through three programs designed specifically to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods sector.

Agriculture Innovation Program
The Agriculture Innovation Program provides financial assistance to enhance the competitiveness, profitability, and innovative capacity of the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry. Investments were made in innovation, technology adoption and secondary processing activities. For 2013, funding totalling $2,187,308 was invested for 61 projects under the Agriculture Innovation Program.

Agriculture Sustainability Program
The Agriculture Sustainability Program supports food safety initiatives, environmental sustainability and market development initiatives for the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry. For 2013, funding totalling $2,942,460 was invested for 59 projects under the Agriculture Sustainability Program.

Agriculture Opportunities Program
The Agriculture Opportunities Program provides financial assistance for business and marketing opportunities, and enhances human resource development within the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry. Investments were made in land development, business development and human resource development. For 2013, funding totalling $630,520 was invested for 38 projects under the Agriculture Opportunities Program.