Canada is recognized as a world leader in sustainable agriculture and agri-food production.
Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of agriculture recently released the Guelph Statement on the Next Policy Framework (NPF). This is to support growth, sustainability and innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
This will also succeed the Canadian Agricultural Partnership - a $3 billion, five-year investment to support Canada’s agriculture and agri-foods sector. $37 million is committed to Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture and agri-food industry on a cost-shared basis.
To help develop the NPF, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture held six virtual engagement sessions targeting all major commodity groups in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as industry stakeholder’s goals and objectives.
In addition, an online questionnaire was also available to the public asking the following key questions:
- What are the challenges, both current and emerging, that you see creating pressure for the Newfoundland and Labrador sector?
- What are the opportunities, both current and emerging, that you see creating benefit for the Newfoundland and Labrador sector?
- In your opinion, what are the most relevant programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to aid in the growth of the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture sector? Why?
- What priorities need to be considered for the Next Policy Framework?
Participants provided insights towards the challenges and opportunities the agriculture industry is experiencing, such as access to labour, increased operating costs and impacts of climate change.
The proposed priority areas for the NPF include Environment and Climate Change; Resilience and Public Trust; Building Sector Capacity; Science, Research, and Innovation; and Market Development and Trade.
This information is used to highlight the priorities and objectives of Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture industry and ensure the province’s interests are considered in the development of the NPF.
To view the full report of the Next Policy Framework for Agriculture, Agri-Foods and Agri-Products Sector, visit here.