It took an amendment to the federal definition of harvesting, but last week Nunavut became the final Canadian jurisdiction to sign the agricultural policy framework.
Devoid of traditional farmers, the northern territory signed the APF after Ottawa agreed to include wild caribou and musk ox as game eligible to be harvested and compensated under the plan, which took effect as the national agricultural policy in 2003.
By signing the APF, Nunavut will receive up to $180,000 annually in federal funds to help increase the hunt’s profitability.
In an interview from the Nunavut capital Iqaluit, economic development and transportation minister David Simailak said the territory will supplement the federal money, although he was not certain if the cost-share formula is the traditional 60-40.
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He said federal and territorial officials now are working out details of how the APF money will be spent. Hunters as well as jobs at a meat processing plant in Rankin Inlet will benefit from the stability the APF money brings.
Simailak said the caribou hunt in early 2005 will be the first beneficiary of the deal.
The musk ox hunt in Cambridge Bay has been suspended while its future is assessed but it too can benefit if it is resumed.
“This will be important support for our harvest.”
He said the APF, with its income support, food safety and environmental goals, will allow the territory to promote marketing claims that hunting wild caribou helps ensure environmental sustainability, reduces BSE risk and provides safe organic meat.
He said the brand “product of Nunavut, Canada” will be a guarantee of safe, properly harvested products.
In a News release
news, federal agriculture minister Andy Mitchell said agreement from the final Canadian jurisdiction means the APF has unprecedented support in Canada.
He said the deal will make products from the Nunavut hunt more competitive in national and international markets.
