Supporting sustainability in agriculture
News release
New federal-provincial partnership will support the continued innovation, growth and prosperity of Alberta’s agriculture sector
March 28, 2023 – Edmonton, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Compared to the current partnership, which expires at the end of the month, there is a $500 million increase in cost-shared funding under the new agreement. Half of this additional funding will help develop and implement the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, which will support carbon sequestration, and protecting grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands.
In Alberta, the Sustainable CAP framework represents $508 million in funding over 5 years that will support the needs of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Alberta’s programs will aim to create new jobs and spur growth in the agriculture sector by supporting value‑added processing competitiveness, attracting new investment and expanding irrigation capacity that will boost crop production.
The programs will also continue protecting plant and animal health and animal welfare, managing risks to our natural resources and investing in producer-led agriculture research. Canadian producers also have access to an enhanced suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms and are beyond their capacity to manage.
The Sustainable CAP comes into effect April 1, 2023 and replaces the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).
Quotes
“The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is an ambitious way forward while we collaborate to ensure economic, environmental and social success for the sector. This historic investment will help producers and processors in Alberta to innovate, to grow, to prosper and to be competitive.”
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"The new Sustainable CAP provides flexibility to deliver programs that will help producers grow their business and improve productivity, while addressing the unique challenges of farming in Alberta. Alberta's producers are among the best in the world when it comes to sustainable practices, and we will continue to support their efforts to feed the world while protecting the environment for generations to come.”
- Nate Horner, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
Quick facts
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Sustainable CAP represents the fifth pan-Canadian agreement on agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products policy. It replaces CAP (2018-2023), Growing Forward 2 (2013-2018), Growing Forward (2008-2013) and the Agriculture Policy Framework (2003-2008).
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On March 6, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that applications are now being accepted for federal programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) that will go into effect on April 1, 2023.
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The Sustainable CAP framework provides flexibility for Alberta to develop and deliver programs that are aligned with the needs of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector and Government of Alberta priorities. Programs will align with 5 priority areas:
- building sector capacity, growth and competitiveness
- climate change and environmental protection
- science, research, and innovation
- market development and trade
- resiliency and public trust
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
simon.lafortune@agr.gc.ca
343‑549‑0778
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Mackenzie Blyth
Press Secretary
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
mackenzie.blyth@gov.ab.ca
780-293-1745