Growing Forward programs announced Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by BETTER FARMING STAFFThree new federal programs that will come into effect in April 2013 were announced Friday by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. They include something called AgriInnovation that, according to the announcement’s news release, will provide investment to “expand the sector’s capacity to develop and commercialize new products and technologies.”The programs, as outlined in the news release, are part of the $3 billion Growing Forward 2 policy framework agreed between federal, provincial and territorial ministers in September.The second program announced is AgriMarketing to help industry “improve its capacity to adopt assurance systems,” such as food and safety traceability. It will also support branding and promotional activities to maintain and “seize” new markets for their products.The third program – AgriCompetitiveness – will target investments “to help strengthen the agriculture and agri-food industry’s capacity to adapt and be profitable in domestic and global markets.”AgriInnovation will start accepting applications immediately while the other two programs will accept applications in the new year.Growing Forward 2 is a five-year policy framework to replace the original Growing Forward program, which expires April 1, 2013. BF Order to pay township's legal fees sets a 'dangerous precedent' says Lystek protester White bean growers and marketing commission settle differences
Harvest Weather Alert: Midwest Rain Risks Rise as Super El Nino Strengthens Monday, September 21, 2026 As summer gives way to autumn, farmers across the U.S. Midwest and parts of Canada are watching a weather pattern that appears poised to become increasingly active during the heart of harvest season. According to Nutrien Ag Solutions meteorologist Eric Snodgrass, recent atmospheric... Read this article online
U of G Launches Powering Food Futures Initiative, Invites Farmers to Shape Canada’s Agri-Food Future Monday, September 21, 2026 A new national initiative is inviting farmers, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to help shape the future of Canada’s agri-food sector at a time when food security, climate resilience and global competitiveness are taking on heightened importance. Powering Food Futures, a... Read this article online
Green Care Farms celebrates five years of dementia care Monday, September 21, 2026 What a wonderful event! As communities recognize World Alzheimer's Day 2026, Green Care Farms marked a major milestone: five seasons operating Canada's first care farm designed specifically for people living with dementia. The celebration took place on September 19, 2026, at Andrews... Read this article online
Organic Farming in Canada Enters the Mainstream as Market Nears $12 Billion Thursday, September 17, 2026 September is recognized as Organic Month across Canada, offering an opportunity to feature a sector that has transformed from a niche market into a significant component of Canadian agriculture. For many years, organic farming was often viewed as a specialized production system... Read this article online
FCC Launches $1 Billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund for Canadian Food Processing Growth Thursday, September 17, 2026 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has opened a 60-day Expression of Interest (EOI) process for a new $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance initiative, marking one of the largest targeted investments in Canadian food processing infrastructure in recent years. The financing program is intended to... Read this article online