Quebec City, Quebec, November 6, 2013 – The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Honourable François Gendron, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec, are pleased to announce financial assistance of over $156,000 for the Fédération interdisciplinaire de l'horticulture ornementale du Québec (FIHOQ) to conduct two projects promoting ornamental horticulture, as well as research and innovation. This financial assistance is being provided under the Support Program for Sectoral Development Strategies, which is associated with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Agricultural Flexibility Fund.
The FIHOQ will initially receive $130,250 to prepare a promotional campaign for Quebec producers and businesses in the ornamental horticulture industry. The organization will subsequently receive $26,474 to undertake a project aimed at establishing mandatory funding for the collective promotion of ornamental horticulture, as well as research and innovation in this area of activity.
"The Quebec ornamental horticulture industry generates considerable economic spinoffs. The FIHOQ has stood out over the years, and this Economic Action Plan investment announced today will allow the FIHOQ to maintain its momentum," explained Minister Ritz.
"Ornamental horticulture is a rapidly growing industry in Quebec, which is largely the result of the efforts of the FIHOQ and its dynamic members, who have an inspiring vision for the future. That is why we support these projects, which will allow this industry to make more progress and become a major player in Quebec's biofood industry," emphasized François Gendron.
The Support Program for Sectoral Development Strategies was announced by the Governments of Canada and Quebec on March 25, 2011. The program is providing $16.7 million over four years to help agri-food activity sectors adapt and thrive in a competitive and constantly changing business environment.
For a full description of the Support Program for Sectoral Development Strategies (in French only), visit the website of the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/strategiessectorielle.
For more information on the Food Sovereignty Policy (in French only), regularly visit the blog associated with the policy (www.PolitiqueSA.gouv.qc.ca) or the website of the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (in French only) (www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/PolitiqueSA). The Department can also be followed on Twitter at twitter.com/mapaquebec.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Jeff English
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Maxime Couture
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
418-380-2525
Media Relations
Communications Directorate
(Quebec) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
418-380-2100, extension 3512
www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
