The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announce the renewal of the Advisory Services Program and the Prime-Vert Agri-Environment Support Program until 2023.

“The agricultural sector is dynamic and ever changing. Our Government is proud to support agricultural producers by improving their access to advisory services and enabling them to be better equipped to preserve the agricultural environment. These two programs will keep our businesses competitive through the adoption of new entrepreneurial and agri-environmental practices.”
- Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"It is essential for agriculture and agri-food businesses to surround themselves with professional and competent specialists who support them in making decisions. Adopting responsible agri-environmental practices has advantages for businesses, as they help preserve resources while promoting their sustainability. Through these investments, our government wants to revitalize the territory, promote the sustainable development of businesses and build on their ability to adapt to meet consumer expectations.” 
- Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

• Advisory Services Program

  • The Advisory Services Program aims to:
    
    • increase the adoption of good business practices through the use of advisory services that help make informed decisions;
    • encourage the dissemination of information and co-development activities by enterprises;
    • develop the knowledge and expertise of the advisors by carrying out projects that contribute to the development of a renewed and forward-looking advisory service offering that meets the needs of the agriculture and agri-food sector; and
    • support the organization of subsidized consulting services in the regions.
  • The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will provide $114M to this program for the 2018-2023 period.
  • The funds invested promote the use of advisory services through the 13 agricultural advisory networks acting as a single window for agricultural and agri-food businesses.
  • The 2018-2023 Advisory Services Program has some new features:
    • the maximum assistance per farm or agri-food business increases to $30,000;
    • the assistance rate per start-up and next-generation business increases to 85%, for a maximum of $40,000; and
    • businesses have opportunities to participate in co-development activities to share good practices.

• Prime-Vert Program

  • The Prime-Vert Program supports agricultural customers with equipment acquisition and adoption of good agri-environmental practices and supports the implementation of collective activities as well as the development and transfer of agri-environmental knowledge.
  • The budget for the 2018-2023 is $125,4M, shared by the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec.
  • The Prime-Vert Program's areas of intervention concern the preservation and improvement of water quality, soil health and conservation, the reduction of pesticide use and the risks associated with their use on health and the environment, as well as biodiversity conservation.
  • The 2018-2023 Prime-Vert Program has some new features:
    • support for the adoption of optimal irrigation water management equipment as well as equipment allowing the application of fertilizer materials in strips;
    • financial support to next-generation businesses for the construction of animal waste storage facilities;
    • support for adoption of certain soil health and conservation practices;
    • support for implementation trials of certain agri-environmental practices by agricultural enterprises; and
    • increase in the rate of financial assistance for certain eligible interventions for next-generation businesses in organic production or located in a targeted territory. 
  • In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture came to an agreement in principle representing a five-year, $3 billion investment. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity. For Quebec, the Partnership's budget allocation for strategic initiatives is $293 million. They are funded 60% by the federal government and 40% by the Government of Quebec.The funds invested promote the use of advisory services through the 13 agricultural advisory networks acting as a single window for agricultural and agri-food businesses.

Associated links

• Advisory Services Program (in French only)
• Prime-Vert Program (in French only)
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Réseaux Agriconseils

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
media.relations@agr.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

Christine Harvey
Press secretary
Office of the Quebec Minister
Fisheries and Food
418-380-2525