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Growing Forward 2 programs launched in Nova Scotia

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New federal-provincial/territorial cost-shared programs designed to help position Canada as a world leader in agriculture and agri-food

Shubenacadie Nova Scotia, May 29, 2022 – Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture John MacDonell, today announced the launch of the Growing Forward 2 agricultural policy framework in Nova Scotia.

"Our Government remains focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Nova Scotia's agriculture industry," said Minister Ritz. "Growing Forward 2 provides flexible, innovative programming for Nova Scotia's hardworking producers to ensure that they have the tools necessary to remain innovative, competitive, and to grow in new and existing markets."

Growing Forward 2 is a renewed commitment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to ensure productivity and profitability for Canada's agricultural sector. With a focus on innovation, competitiveness, and market development, Growing Forward 2 programs will help the industry seize future opportunities and realize its full potential as a major driver of the Canadian economy. Programs are also tailored to meet Nova Scotia's diverse regional requirements.

Over the next five years, $37 million in federal and provincial funding will be invested in three primary areas in Nova Scotia: innovation, competitiveness and markets, and adaptability and industry capacity.

"By working with our federal partners, we have secured significant funding to help strengthen our agri-food industry," said Minister MacDonell. "Growing Forward 2 is an investment in the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of Nova Scotia agriculture, helping our industry to be more innovative and sustainable."

The new five-year Growing Forward 2 agreement includes $2 billion for federal-provincial-territorial strategic initiatives, a 50 per cent increase in cost-shared funding, as well as $1 billion for federal-only strategic initiatives. The federal government has announced details of its three federal programs: AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness.

Under Growing Forward 2 governments will continue to offer ongoing funding for a complete and effective suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to ensure farmers are protected against severe market volatility and disasters.

For more information on Growing Forward 2, visit www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward2. Information on Growing Forward 2 programs in Nova Scotia is available at www.gov.ns.ca/agri.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Jeff English
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Avril Vollenhoven
Regional Communications Officer- Nova Scotia
Office: 902-426-2353
Cell: 902-802-4612

Krista Higdon
Communications Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-8860