April 2009 CFA Commentary : Growing Forward but non-BRM program details slow in coming
By Ron Bonnett, CFA 1st vice president
Over the past few weeks, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has been meeting with government officials to learn more details regarding the Growing Forward suite of programs in an effort to share more information with our members.
In 2008, Canada's federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture announced that the multilateral Growing Forward framework will invest $1.3 billion worth of funding over five years for non-business risk management (non-BRM) programs, an increase of $330 million from its predecessor, the Agricultural Policy Framework. The $1.3 billion would be shared 60/40 between the federal government, provincial, and territorial governments and the framework will run until March 31, 2013. The new programming was slated to launch prior to April 1, 2009.
Days after April 1, 2009, minimal details existed regarding the framework programs in each province. Several food safety programs were left in limbo on March 31, as program funding information was unknown. The lack of details on a national scale presents a concern for CFA – we are worried that a lack of information may undermine program goals and funding. Over the last few weeks, the CFA has learned that all the bilateral agreements have been signed, with the exception of the Northwest Territories. As of our last meeting with government officials, many program details and their launch date remain unknown, however, CFA has been assured that as programs roll out in each province, announcements will be made. Announcements have been made regarding the Growing Forward framework in several provinces. While we welcome the regional flexibility and programs tailored by each province, more information needs to be provided, from a centralized source, regarding the development and status of newly created programs.
On April 7, 2009, the CFA was pleased to see the launch of the Trade and Market Development Program, which is part of the new Growing Forward agricultural framework. The objective of the Trade and Market Development program is to provide exporters with information and support, enabling them to sell more products in more markets. The program includes five initiatives: Canada Brand, AgriMarketing Program, Value Chain Roundtables (VCRTs), Market Information and Export Capacity Building, and Enabling Research for Competitive Agriculture. The program will replace Canadian Agriculture and Food International (CAFI) Program.
In March 2008, a one year extension given to many existing programs for the 2008 fiscal year. Therefore, the announcements reflect the funding of the program for the remaining four years of the Growing Forward initiative.
In British Columbia, the five-year Growing Forward agreement will deliver $475 million to provide income stability and insurance against losses through BRM programs over the next five years. Also, $78 million will be invested in a number of new non-BRM programs which were designed to increase competition and innovation in agriculture, while enabling the delivery of the Environmental Farm Planning Program, Food Safety Initiatives and a limited On-farm Food Safety program.
Programs available under the Growing Forward initiative in Ontario include: Best Practices Programs (environment and climate change; food safety and traceability; business development; and biosecurity) and Innovation and Science, which will aid in supporting research. Under the agreement the federal government will contribute approximately $181 million while the province of Ontario will contribute approximately $121 million over the next five years.
In Manitoba, a total of $117.5 million from the federal and provincial governments will be invested under the Growing Forward framework, which will support new business initiatives, value-added products that will add to agricultural-based value chain, improvements to the food safety systems and environmental protection planning.
In Saskatchewan, $216 million in funding was announced for non-BRM programs over the next four years. While in Nova Scotia, $25 million will go towards program funding in the province. In Prince Edward Island, the total cost-shared funding for non-BRM programs is approximately $24.6 million over the next four years.
The CFA will continue to meet with government contacts regarding Growing Forward and will continue to update members as information becomes available. CFA will continue to push for a centralized clearinghouse of information. CFA is glad that the bilateral agreements have been signed and is looking forward to learning more about the new suite of programs in each province.