A 25 per cent increase in funding will boost the amount of money going to a wide variety of federal/provincial agricultural programs over the next five years.
The new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) was signed in Regina on Monday with Agriculture Minister David Marit representing Saskatchewan and the Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development Gudie Hutchings signing on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. The total value for Saskatchewan will be $485 million with 60 per cent coming from Ottawa and the remaining 40 per cent from the province.
Sustainable CAP has five priority areas:
- Building Sector Capacity, Growth and Competitiveness: $176.6 million investment to build the agriculture sector capacity, ensuring growth and competitive advantages.
- Climate Change and Environment: $53.4 million to support the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the sector.
- Resiliency and Public Trust: $40.2 million to support the sector’s sustainability by anticipating, mitigating and responding to risks while building public trust.
- Market Development and Trade: $2 million to assist the industry in expanding domestic and international trade opportunities.
- Science, Research and Innovation: $175 million was invested in research and development activities, enhancing the diversification and profitability of agriculture.
An additional $37.8 million will be allocated throughout the agreement to support national activities delivered by the federal government, including the AgriMarketing and AgriAssurance programs.
The president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and the CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) were also on hand for the signing. Both are pleased to see additional money going to Ranch and Water Infrastructure Program as well as incentives for irrigation.
The new agreement begins April 1, 2023, and will be in place until March 31, 2028.
(Above photo taken by Tanner Wallace-Scribner-CKRM Radio Regina)
