Do you think the government should prioritize environmental protections and sustainable land use, or the introduction of new technologies?
How would you rank our province’s agricultural priorities? Do you have any suggestions for a new agricultural program?
New Brunswick farmers – the province is seeking your input to aid in the development of our next federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture programs and policies.
But, you need to be quick – there isn’t much time!
On March 31st 2018, Canada/New Brunswick’s Growing Forward 2 agricultural policy framework will be expiring, making way for the generation of a new framework beginning in April 2018.
Complete this online survey or mail in a completed printout to any Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries regional office by March 17, 2017.
Feedback received by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries this month will help the province determine key areas for improvement within future Growing Forward programs, as well as how to prioritize investment of government financial support.
In addition to comments, farmers are asked to rank the importance of several agricultural priorities including environmental protection, sustainable land use, support for value-added and agri-food processing opportunities, and research and development.
This call for input follows two announcements from the Department of Agriculture this year on the topic of food production and sales. In October 2016, the province announced a Local Food and Beverage Strategy aimed primarily at increasing accessibility of locally grown products and providing existing farmers with new market opportunities.
More recently, on February 21, 2017, the province announced an investment of $415,000.00 for local food promotion in support of the previously mentioned Local Food and Beverage Strategy. “Job creation and economic development are the top priorities of New Brunswickers and of government,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “Our producers make some of the best food in the world, right here in our backyards…With the right supports in place, we can help those producers get their goods to market.”
This survey provides farmers with the opportunity to have a say in the direction of agriculture in the province, and hopefully further solidify the transition toward healthy, affordable, and local food.
Read the full Press release here.
See Also:
Local Food and Beverage Strategy
Investment of $415,000.00 for local food promotion