New milestones mark progress
of APF

The coming months will bring many new programs for farmers under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), a national plan to strengthen Canada's agriculture sector. The goal is to make this country the world leader in food safety and quality, environmentally responsible production and innovation, while improving business risk management and fostering renewal.

These priority areas were described in the first issue of Agri-info, delivered to farmers in April. Since then, Quebec and Prince Edward Island have signed the framework accord, meaning all ten provinces and two territories are now on board. By mid-July, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon had signed the bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada required to begin program delivery.

Meanwhile, the discovery of a BSE-infected cow in Canada in May, and the closing of export markets for Canadian beef and cattle that followed, underscored the importance of not only maintaining but enhancing and promoting the integrity and safety of this country's agricultural production systems, a key objective of the APF. Federal, provincial and territorial governments on June 18 announced a national program of up to $460 million in temporary assistance to the cattle and beef industry to help it continue to operate until borders reopen. These temporary measures will help bridge the gap until producers can access new business risk management programming under the APF.

This second issue of Agri-info focuses on business risk management programming. It explains how the proposed income stabilization and protection program responds to income declines, targets funds to those in need during crises and offers the convenience of integrating into one program income stabilization and assistance for severe losses.

Subject to agreements between the federal government and the provinces, the proposed new program will provide income stabilization and protection for the current crop year. Farmers will not have to make any decisions regarding the program, however, until at least the fall.

This issue of Agri-info also looks at other developments under the APF: a new program allowing farmers to plant a greener future, new business services to assist producers in renewing their operations and seizing opportunities, and the government-industry round-table process.