Feds invest almost $300 million in Quebec agri-food sector

Quebec City, Que. – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has launched Growing Forward 2 in Quebec, with $293 million going toward various programs to support the province’s agriculture and food processing sectors.

The initiative was launched through a bilateral agreement between the federal government and the province to allow Quebec the flexibility “to develop its own unique programs to support its agriculture and agri-food sector,” said François Gendron, Quebec’s minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Under the agreement the Quebec government will use the funding to implement eight types of programs for the sector: agri-food research and innovation; the environment; support for businesses; diversification and development of nearby markets; support for sector development projects; traceability; adaptation of businesses; and assurance systems relating to food safety, biosecurity, traceability and animal welfare.

Almost $27 million will go towards the Quebec government’s new Prime-Vert initiative, which focuses on environmental practices in agriculture. Roughly $90 million in federal and provincial funding will also go towards consultation services to promote improved performance for agriculture and agri-food businesses.