A new initiative is available to support farmers on Prince Edward Island in building resilience against current and future challenges.
Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, along with the PEI Department of Agriculture, are investing over $1.3 million in the Agriculture Resiliency Program.
This program features three key funding streams: Agriculture Resiliency Research, Extreme Weather Preparedness, and Producer Wellness.
Each funding stream aims to help the local agriculture industry proactively address risks.
The program provides funding for research to identify opportunities, supports farmers in preparing for and dealing with extreme weather events, and ensures mental health support for farmers.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $3.5 billion agreement aimed at strengthening Canada's agriculture sector.
This includes $1 billion in federal programs and a $2.5 billion cost-shared commitment for provincial and territorial programs.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, highlighted the significance of the new program, noting that farmers on Prince Edward Island have faced many difficulties in recent years.
Despite these challenges, farmers continue to work hard to produce high-quality food. MacAulay stated that the program will provide essential resources, including research and mental health support, ensuring that farmers have the tools necessary to safeguard their farms and succeed in the future.
PEI's Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Bloyce Thompson, highlighted the benefits of the Sustainable CAP, saying, "Since announcing the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership almost a year ago, I've been pleased with the increased amount of support that we've been able to invest into our farmers, and agriculture industry as a whole. This program is something that we are proud of, as we know to stay competitive and leaders on the global stage our farmers will have to have access to data that will allow them to adapt and grow, as well as be better prepared for extreme weather events."
"Since assuming the role of Agriculture Minister, I've been committed to ensuring our farmers have access to mental health supports, and now alongside our FarmersTalk initiative, we are adding more resources for our agriculture industry."