OREANDA-NEWS. July 11, 2016. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay was in southern Ontario this week seeking input on the next agricultural policy framework and other key agricultural issues.

The government is currently engaging with stakeholders from across the country on the next federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) agricultural framework to build on successes of current programming and address challenges and opportunities for agriculture in the coming years.

Roundtable discussions were held at the University of Guelph where Minister MacAulay talked with women from producer and processor organizations, public and private sectors, and individual producers about the issues women face and the integral role women play in the success of the agricultural sector. Minister MacAulay also met with stakeholders to hear their views on innovation and to reaffirm Canada's commitment to supporting innovation in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-processing sectors.

Minister MacAulay also met with Jeff Leal, the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, gave remarks at the Canadian Special Crops Association's Annual General Meeting in Toronto, met with the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association and held a roundtable discussion with key lentil trade members.

In-person and online consultation activities are ongoing to gather feedback that will help inform the next agricultural framework.

Quick facts

  • Growing Forward 2 is a \\$3-billion investment over five years (2013-2018) by federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments in programming to support innovation, competitiveness and market development.
  • Agriculture is a shared jurisdiction and FPT governments work closely in the development and the delivery of programs across the country.

Quotes

"These consultations in southern Ontario will help shape the direction of future agricultural programs to ensure the sector becomes even more innovative, safer and stronger. A strong and prosperous agriculture sector will help grow our economy and increase Canada's middle class."

- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada