In September 2012, the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture met in Whitehorse, Yukon and set in place a new five-year agricultural policy framework - Growing Forward 2 (GF2).
GF2 will come into effect on April 1, 2013. Currently the Bilateral Agreement between Saskatchewan and the federal government for GF2 programming is being negotiated.
To date, we have received valuable input from producers and industry organizations, which has shaped our initial approach to GF2 programming. Over the past three years, through a series of both formal and informal consultation sessions, we have gathered a significant amount of feedback about what has worked in the original Growing Forward framework, and what areas could be improved to better serve stakeholders.
This feedback has helped us structure new program areas and initiatives in our negotiations with the federal government, while at the same time, balancing sector needs with the funding available and parameters set for the agreement nationally.
As Saskatchewan enters the final stage of bilateral negotiations with the federal government regarding programming and funding, the Ministry would like to invite stakeholders to submit written comments regarding priorities, initiatives and observations concerning GF2.
Currently, Saskatchewan is considering a range of strategic initiatives organized across eight program areas, which include:
* Agriculture Research & Innovation
* Value-Added Business Development
* Farm Business Management
* Trade and Market Development
* Environment
* Rural Water Infrastructure
* Food Safety, Plant & Animal Health
* Agriculture Awareness
To read the complete SK Ministry of Ag Programs and Services Update, click here.
Posted January 30, 2013
