Agricultural Policy Framework Newsletter - September 2007
Growing Forward: Building on the best of the APF
When Agriculture Ministers from across Canada met in Whistler in June, the agenda was about one thing: Growing Forward. This is a bold new market-driven vision for the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products industry that builds on the best of the APF, and draws heavily on ideas put forward by producers and other stakeholders in the sector during extensive cross-country consultations this past winter.
Growing Forward will support a business environment that promotes innovation, encourages the agriculture and agri-food or agri-based products sector to increase competitiveness and helps manage business risks effectively. It will include measures to help producers and others in the industry capitalize on new and evolving markets at home and abroad and continue to contribute to the environment and the health and wellness of Canadians.
The Ministers also announced a new suite of programs that respond to producers’ demands for more responsive, predictable and bankable programming to replace the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program. With the exception of AgriRecovery, which remains to be determined, programs will be cost-shared on the basis of traditional arrangements.
The new programs include:
- AgriInvest – savings accounts for producers that provide flexible coverage for small income declines and support investments that help mitigate risks or improve market income.
- AgriStability – a margin-based program that provides income support when a producer experiences larger income losses.
- AgriInsurance – includes existing production insurance and other insurance products, and will expand to include other commodities.
Details of these and other programs and activities within Growing Forward will be negotiated by federal, provincial and territorial governments over the coming months, in close consultation with producers and stakeholders. An action plan will identify initiatives and programs to be introduced, retained, modified, or ended, and will focus on orderly transition plans from the APF to Growing Forward.
For more information about Growing Forward and to stay up-to-date on any new developments, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/growingforward.
Meanwhile, APF will remain current and active until March, 2008.
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