Features Business & Policy Markets
New programs unveiled under Growing Forward 2

Dec. 7, 2012, Calgary, AB - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz unveiled three new federal programs under Canada's new agricultural policy framework Growing Forward 2 that will streamline investments in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The new programs will focus on strategic initiatives in innovation, competitiveness and market development to further strengthen the sector's capacity to grow and prosper.

Three new federal programs will come into effect on April 1, 2013:

• The AgriInnovation Program will focus on investments to expand the sector's capacity to develop and commercialize new products and technologies.
• The AgriMarketing Program will help industry improve its capacity to adopt assurance systems, such as food safety and traceability, to meet consumer and market demands. It will also support industry in maintaining and seizing new markets for their products through branding and promotional activities.
• The AgriCompetitiveness Program will target investments to help strengthen the agriculture and agri-food industry's capacity to adapt and be profitable in domestic and global markets.

The AgriInnovation Program will begin accepting applications immediately, while AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness will begin accepting applications early in the new year.

For more information on Growing Forward 2 and the three new federal programs, please see the attached Backgrounder or visit www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward2.

December 7, 2012  By AAFC