Flexible, Innovative Programs for Agriculture Industry

Nova Scotia farmers will get more support to achieve profitability and incorporate innovation with new programs announced by the federal and Nova Scotia agriculture ministers today, April 6.

The program details come after the signing of the Growing Forward agreement between the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.

"The Growing Forward programs focus on supporting innovation, commercialization and profitability for our farmers," said Mark Parent, Minister of Agriculture. "The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with our agriculture and agri-food industry, will continue to support flexible program development that will meet the unique needs and opportunities of Nova Scotia."

"Farmers expect all levels of government to work together to drive Canadian agriculture and this agreement is making that happen," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Growing Forward delivers stable and bankable programs that work for farmers. The agreement we signed will kick-start the rollout of these essential programs in Nova Scotia."

Growing Forward is a national agriculture framework to co-ordinate federal and provincial agriculture policy. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are delivering $1.3 billion for farm families over five years. The agreement with Nova Scotia will deliver almost $25 million for agriculture in the province. The funding is cost-shared 60-40 between the federal and provincial governments.

Growing Forward programs are tailored, with input from farmers, to meet Nova Scotia's diverse regional requirements.

For information on Growing Forward, visit www.gov.ns.ca/agri or www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward .