Canadian farmers say last week’s federal budget indicates that the government recognizes the economic growth the sector can drive.
The budget was short on details but set a goal of increasing agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.
It proposes to invest $70 million over six years to support “agricultural discovery science and innovation,” focusing on climate change and soil and water conservation.
As well, the agriculture department will receive a share of a $200 million fund designed to develop clean technology.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Ron Bonnett said the budget highlighted agriculture’s role in the government’s innovation agenda.
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“Farmers have been saying for years that agriculture is a strategic sector for Canada, given our vast natural resources, our research and technology, and our skilled labour force,” he said in a statement.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the sector is positioned for success as global food demand rises.
“That means more demand for prairie canola, Atlantic crab and lobster, and B.C. berries,” he said during his budget address.
“It also means more jobs in the fields of southwestern Ontario and on the maple syrup farms of Quebec’s Eastern Townships. We will help farmers, producers and processors build their businesses globally and do so sustainably.”
Conservative agriculture critic David Anderson said the budget offered no help for Canadians, particularly farmers, to prepare for a carbon tax that will cost a 3,000-acre farm $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
“The Liberals claim to identify agri-food as one of their priorities, but the money they’re putting into the agri-food ‘super cluster’ is money that is recycled from Budget 2016,” Anderson said in a news release.
The budget proposes an investment of up to $950 million over five years to support super clusters that have the greatest potential to generate economic growth.
The government defines the clusters as dense areas of business activity, containing both large and small companies, academia and other companies that act as economic engines.
Bonnett said that certain items weren’t mentioned in the budget, including tax policy that supports farm transfer to family members and commitments on rural infrastructure spending.
The budget said that the next agricultural policy framework is a priority and details would be forthcoming over the next year. Agriculture ministers are expected to sign the five-year agreement in July.
