New program to benefit agricultural lands
News release
March 22, 2024 – Fredericton, New Brunswick – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
New Brunswick farmers have access to new resources to help them conserve and enhance the resiliency of their land. The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program encourages farmers to accelerate the adoption of land use and management practices.
The program provides financial support to agricultural producers for the maintenance and provision of healthy soils and water resources, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and for adapting to the effects of climate change – all of which promotes healthy, functioning ecosystems. Funding is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
There are 3 main categories of eligible practices:
- reduced tillage
- ponds and wetlands
- pollinator habitat, critical and marginal landscapes, trees, riparian areas and crop management
Program guidelines and other information will be available on the department’s website April 1.
Quotes
“Climate change is having a direct impact on our farmers, and it is vitally important that we support innovative agricultural land use practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint. The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program will allow producers to adopt farming practices that improve water quality, increase biodiversity and enhance soil health. Funding from this program will directly support the development of resilient farmlands and help farmers in New Brunswick protect their land and their operations.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Farmers are recognized as stewards of the land. However, some environmental beneficial management practices and land uses come at a significant expense to the farm. This program will help incentivize farmers to further enhance their environmental stewardship for the benefit of everyone. The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program will provide the necessary resources and support to help farmers succeed and protect our agricultural land and environment for generations to come.”
- Margaret Johnson, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister
“In the context of climate change, farmers must improve the resilience of their farms. The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program is an additional tool that farmers can use to help absorb the financial costs for this type of project.”
- Anna Belliveau, CEO of the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick
“The National Farmers Union in New Brunswick is encouraged by the launch of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, which will help to ensure that marginal farmland and wetlands are maintained and protected, while farmers' need to make a sustainable living is respected."
- Suzanne Fournier, Executive Director of the National Farmers Union in New Brunswick
Quick facts
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The province’s agricultural and agri-food sector reached a record $1.23 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023.
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The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
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The agreement includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared – 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially – for programs that are designed and delivered by provincial and territorial governments.
Contacts
For media:
Francis Chechile
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
francis.chechile@agr.gc.ca
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
Nick Brown, communications, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, nick.brown@gnb.ca
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