News release
WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM TO SUPPORT YUKON FARMERS ANNOUNCED
WHITEHORSE, Yukon, June 1, 2006 - Yukon farmers now have access to $120,000 to help develop, enhance and protect agricultural water supplies. The assistance is being provided through the Canada-Yukon Water Supply Expansion Program, announced today by the federal and territorial governments.
“The relationship between Yukon farmers and the land is one that is built on tradition and sound environmental stewardship,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board. “Through this program, Canada’s new government is building on this tradition to help create, protect and secure sources of quality and reliable water for the agriculture industry.”
“The Yukon government is strongly committed to the future growth and stability of the agricultural sector,” said Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang. “We are confident that this program will greatly assist the further development of the agriculture sector in the Yukon.”
The Federal government is investing $100,000 in the program, while the Yukon Government is contributing $20,000 towards water projects and an additional $10,000 of in-kind support.
Farmers and/or groups of farmers can apply for three types of technical and financial support:
- Tier One - on-farm infrastructure, up to $5,000 per project;
- Tier Two - multi-user infrastructure, up to $50,000 per project;
- Tier Three - strategic initiatives, up to $30,000 per project.
All projects must be for commercial agricultural production and have a water supply component. Program applications will be accepted throughout the year.
The Canada-Yukon Water Supply Expansion Program is being administered under the National Water Supply Expansion Program, an initiative ending March 31, 2008.
For additional information or to obtain a program application, please contact: Energy, Mines and Resources Agriculture Branch at (867) 667-5838 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408 (extension 5838); or the AAFC-Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration at (780) 349-3916, or the AAFC-Client Service Centre at 1-800-667-8567; or visit www.agr.gc.ca/h2o.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is working with provincial, territorial and industry partners to develop programs and promote sound farm stewardship practices which contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all Canadians and safer, healthier food for consumers.
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For more information, media may contact:
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca
Mark Roberts
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
(867) 667-8786
mark.roberts@gov.yk.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff Howard
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl's office
613-759-1059
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