Canada Strengthens Agricultural Operations

Don't forget about Canada... and don't forget about its agricultural prowess. Since 2001, federal, provincial and territorial governments have been working to help strengthen and revitalize its agriculture and agri-food industry. It has developed an Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), a platform that addresses five elements dealing with business risk management, food safety and quality, science and innovation, environment, and renewal. The government consulted with Canadian residents and incorporated their ideas into the policies. Signed by all provinces and territories, Canada hopes its farmers will have the tools and services necessary to help the country strengthen its businesses, make more money and satisfy its consumers and others around the world.

The following offers an overview of the five elements of the plan:

Business Risk Management

Business risk management programming will provide funds to help farmers in programs that manage business risks such as weather and disease. By doing so, farmers can look beyond crisis management and look ahead to long-term profitability and competitiveness.

Food Safety and Quality

This APF initiative seeks to provide further regulation of the safety and quality of food produced in Canada. It will implement systems to monitor and maintain the safety of Canadian food products produced on farms and other locations. These new measures will enable the tracing of foods back to farms, and improve food quality.

Science and Innovation

This element of APF seeks to emphasize a team approach among governments, universities and the private sector to maximize Canada's research resources. It strives to generate innovative products such as new foods, medicines, health and nutrition, building materials and more.

Environment

This sector aims to strengthen agriculture's role in preserving the environment. By using more environmentally friendly agricultural production tools, the country can improve the quality of its air, water and soil. Environmental scans will identify high-risk areas and lead to the implementation of environmental farm plans. The program aims to have all Canadian farms scanned for risk. And by 2008, the program aims for the more than three-quarters of farms who are identified as environmental risks to have complete environmental plans. Other environmental projects include "Greencover Canada," a program which hopes to expand sustainable land by improving grassland management and wildlife habitat, protecting farm-water quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The "National Water Supply Expansion Program" will determine the water supply needs of farmer and rural communities. A new "National Land and Water Information Service" will be set up to make sure farmers get the right information to help them make decisions. And the "Pesticide Risk Reduction and Minor Use Programs" will give farmers better access to environmentally friendly pesticide products.

Renewal

Here, the APF will offer new tools and services to farms that will help improve farmers' access to advice on developing or improving business plans, marketing, technology, innovation production practices and more.

For the most up-to-date information on APF, visit www.agr.gc.ca/puttingcanada first.