VANCOUVER – Just before speaking to one international conference gathered in British Columbia, the federal agriculture minister announced funding for another.
Lyle Vanclief said Ottawa will contribute $100,000 to next year’s International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements World Congress in Victoria. The conference is expected to attract 1,000 delegates from 108 countries.
He made the June 8 announcement just before delivering a speech to 500 international delegates attending the International Pulse Trade and Industry Confederation convention in Vancouver.
The government is also spending $375,000 on an organic accreditation assistance program and $130,000 to publish the Organic Field Crop Handbook, a guide to teach organic farmers how to comply with the national standard that was developed in 1999.
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The total new federal funding for the organic agriculture industry is $600,000.
“We welcome the support the minister has offered us,” said Anne Macey, an independent certifier who sits on the organizing committee of the Victoria conference.
Future considerations
She asked the minister to consider further funding for research, education and support to help farmers convert into organic agriculture.
“It is my hope that this announcement today is the start of an ongoing partnership between the federal and provincial governments and the organic industry to help the sector develop its full potential.”
Vanclief said more funding could be on the way.
“I know assistance is needed in other areas of the organic industry as well and I hope to be making further announcements in other areas in the near future.”
