Saskatchewan has announced particulars of the five-year, federal/provincial Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP).
The $485 million program will focus on five priority areas:
- Building Sector Capacity, Growth and Competitiveness: $176.6 million to build the agriculture sector capacity, ensuring growth and competitive advantages
- Climate Change and Environment: $53.4 million to support long-term resiliency and sustainability of the sector
- Resiliency and Public Trust: $40.2 million to support the sustainability of the sector by anticipating, mitigating and responding to risks while building public trust
- Market Development and Trade: $2 million to assist industry in expanding domestic and international trade opportunities.
- Science, Research and Innovation: $175 million for research and development activities, enhancing the diversification and profitability of agriculture
An additional $37.8 million will be allocated over the course of the agreement to support national activities delivered by the federal government including the AgriMarketing and AgriAssurance programs, the province says.
The province is also committing that $89.4 million of the fund will be invested annually in strategic programming for Saskatchewan farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses, a 25-per-cent increase from the $71.2 million in the previous federal-provincial partnership. Under the new agreement, there is a continued focus on agricultural research and increased support for water development, with an increased funding cap in the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program and a larger per acre payment under the Irrigation Development Program.
“The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will help build on the great work already happening in the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan,”says David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture. “This investment will see enhancements to existing programs and the introduction of new programs to position us to continue on our sustainability journey, while ensuring the sector continues to grow, prosper, and remain competitive.”
SCAP goes in to effect on April 1, 2023, and will be in place until March 31, 2028. More details and application forms will be posted on www.saskatchewan.ca in the coming weeks.
Related: Ontario first to announce SCAP details