Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #05-059
March 11, 2005
Yukon Introduces New Agriculture Program Guide
WHITEHORSE - Yukon agriculture producers now have a new resource available to them for seeking financial assistance under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) – the Canada-Yukon Agricultural Policy Framework Program Information Guide.
The Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) is a long-term action plan for Canadian agriculture. The APF offers programs that provide the agriculture and agri-food industry with the tools, services and options to strengthen business, increase prosperity and meet the demands of consumers.
"I am pleased that we are able to provide this excellent resource to enable producers to fully access the many programs available under the APF," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell. "Through the close collaboration of our two governments, we are confident that these programs will greatly assist the further development of the agriculture sector in the Yukon."
"The Yukon government is strongly committed to the future growth and stability of the sector," said Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang. "Entry into these programs under the APF allows us to strengthen the local agriculture industry by leveraging significant federal dollars for the territory, and to follow through on government priorities for agriculture development in the territory."
The APF Program Information Guide is now available at the Agriculture Branch on the 3rd floor of the Elijah Smith Building, or online at www.emr.gov.yk.ca/agriculture. The guide provides a comprehensive list of new and existing federal and territorial programs available to Yukon agriculture producers.
Assistance is available to agricultural stakeholders to enhance their businesses in the areas of economic growth and viability, food safety and food quality, environmental sustainability, business development and science and innovation. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon on an over all 60/40 cost sharing basis. (See background.)
There are approximately 170 farms in the Yukon representing a total capital value of more than $50.2 million. The agriculture industry in the Yukon has a total annual production of just over $4 million, and provides Yukon people with an increasing abundance of fresh food and produce through local markets, stores and garden centres.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Tara O’Donovan |
| Cabinet Communications Advisor | Communications Analyst |
| (867) 667-8688 | Energy, Mines and Resources |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | (867) 667-5809 |
| tara.odonovan@gov.yk.ca | |
| Elizabeth Whiting | Media Relations |
| Press Secretary | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada |
| Minister Mitchell’s office | Ottawa |
| Ottawa | (613) 759-7972 |
| (613) 759-1059 |
Background:
In Summer 2002, Canada, the Yukon and Northwest Territories and all provinces signed the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Framework Agreement on Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy for the Twenty First Century, also known as the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF).
Yukon was the first territory to sign an agreement with the Government of Canada to begin implementation of the APF. The agreement will enhance opportunities for the agriculture and agri-food industry in Yukon by providing assistance under five elements:
- Food Safety and Food Quality: Designed to improve the sector's ability to identify and respond to food safety and food quality issues and concerns, while improving market access, consumer confidence and opportunities for the sector.
- Environment: Designed to accelerate the efforts to reduce agricultural risks and provide benefits to the water resources, soil, air and biodiversity in the Yukon.
- Renewal: Designed to provide farmers with the skills, knowledge and tools to help them succeed in farming; access to advice on increasing profitability through new business opportunities and value-added activities; and opportunities to help them improve farm family incomes and/or make informed choices about sources of income.
- Science and Innovation: Designed to provide scientific and technical support aimed at developing innovative approaches to the diversification of the agri-food industry. The overall goals include realigning public science resources, enhancing circumpolar networks and linkages, enhancing coordination along the whole value chain and nurturing an innovative climate.
- Business Risk Management: Designed to help farmers move beyond crisis management to long-term profitability and competitiveness through assistance in managing business risks, such as those posed by weather and disease. The Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS) will target government funds effectively to those in need, while conveniently combining in one program both farm income stabilization and disaster assistance.
The Canada – Yukon Implementation Agreement, which implements the APF, will be in effect for five years, from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2008. It will be funded on a 60/40 (Canada / Yukon) cost shared basis, allowing the Yukon government to strengthen the local agriculture industry by leveraging significant federal dollars.