On Friday, speaking at Agribition in Regina, Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay, announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is set to launch on April 1, 2018.

Priorities include growing trade and expanding markets; innovative and sustainable growth of the sector; and, supporting diversity and a dynamic, evolving sector.

The six federal programs include AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance.

“This is an exciting new chapter for agriculture in Canada," said MacAulay. "The Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s federal initiatives show our Government’s strong agenda for growth in agriculture and agri-food – one that will help build an even stronger, more innovative and sustainable sector. It will ensure Canadian farmers and food processors are well positioned to meet the world’s growing demand for our high-quality products, while creating well-paying middle class jobs and delivering prosperity for communities across the country.”

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, changes to the Business Risk Management programs agreed to in July of this year, will come into effect for the 2018 program year. The existing program rules remain in effect for the 2016 and 2017 program years.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal-provincial and territorial governments.

Federal program details and application forms will be available in early 2018.