The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, joined the other three Atlantic Ministers Responsible for Agriculture on Thursday, May 26 in Halifax to discuss approaches for the next agricultural policy framework, emerging issues, and potential collaboration opportunities to support agriculture producers.
Agriculture is a vital part of the region’s economy and workforce and an important contributor to local food supply. Among other items, the group discussed rising production costs, mental health of farmers and emergency preparedness.
The next agricultural policy framework is currently being developed by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to provide agriculture policy and programming. It will replace the Canadian Agriculture Program when it expires March 31, 2023.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Budget 2022 provides over $10.9 million to support farmers and producers in their essential work. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, $26.2 million has been invested to support this province’s agriculture sector.
Quotes
“Current international issues affecting the agriculture sector are hitting close to home, and serve as a strong reminder of the direct connection Atlantic Canadians share with each other, and as members of the global economy. I am grateful for the support and cooperation of our Atlantic counterparts as we continue working together to increase food self-sufficiency, and continue building a strong, sustainable agriculture sector for the future.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Newfoundland and Labrador
“The global pandemic highlighted the importance of local agriculture and food supply chains, and that also applies to Atlantic Canada. Making sure our farms are healthy and sustainable is a top priority for each of us,” said Minister Morrow. “We need to help ensure our farmers can achieve that goal while facing rising costs that also result from global conditions.”
Honourable Greg Morrow
Minister of Agriculture, Nova Scotia
“I was pleased to participate in this valuable gathering to discuss common concerns and compare notes on best practices. In looking at the next policy framework at the national level, it is critical that the Atlantic provinces are unified in our support for the agricultural sector and increasing production. The new framework is meant to position our agri-food producers and processors and others in the sector as world leaders in sustainable agriculture and enable a globally competitive sector. My department looks forward to continuing to work with our Atlantic colleagues representing the region’s needs. Our agriculture sector is an important part of New Brunswick’s economy.”
Honourable Margaret Johnson
Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, New Brunswick
“As we have through the heights of the pandemic, it’s important for agriculture leaders in the region to continue to work together and identify areas of need as well as opportunities for growth in our industry. While we know that local and regional agriculture sectors are experiencing similar difficulties due to global constraints, we also know that with collaboration and support our farmers can continue to lead our communities towards an economic and environmentally sustainable future, and we look forward to the work ahead.”
Honourable Bloyce Thompson
Minister of Agriculture and Land, Prince Edward Island
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Media contacts
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca
Bruce Nunn
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Agriculture
Government of Nova Scotia
902-476-6454
bruce.x.nunn@novascotia.ca
Kelly Cormier
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Government of New Brunswick
kelly.cormier@gnb.ca
Kip Ready
Agriculture and Land
Government of Prince Edward Island
902-314-3407
kjready@gov.pe.ca