The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have recently joined forces to invest a total of $485 million in the province of Saskatchewan over the next five years under the auspices of the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP). This collaboration will be utilized to support a variety of initiatives that are geared towards ensuring the long-term viability of Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
The agreement, which was signed by the Ministers of Agriculture for both Canada and Saskatchewan, provides a newfound impetus to utilize public-private partnerships and innovative initiatives to nurture the province’s agrarian economy. The funding will be divided between the two governments, with Canada providing $381 million and Saskatchewan $104 million.
The money will be used to further the implementation of SCAP, which was developed to help foster a balanced and resilient agri-food system. The funds will be allocated to the following areas: market development and diversification, agri-processing, science and innovation, and risk management.
Through the market development and diversification stream, the funding will be used to help farmers access new domestic and international markets. It also supports projects that promote improved consumer awareness of high-quality Canadian food products, as well as initiatives that help to ensure a greater level of access to healthy and affordable food.
The agri-processing stream of the agreement will contribute to the growth and development of the food and beverage processing industry in the province. It will fund projects that help to increase the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, as well as support research and development activities related to improving processes, equipment and technologies.
The science and innovation stream will invest in projects that help to increase the productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector. This includes initiatives that focus on improving the quality and quantity of farm inputs, enhancing livestock production, and utilizing alternative farming methods.
Lastly, the risk management stream of the partnership will assist farmers and food processors with managing risks and improving their business operations. In particular, it will help to provide assistance to those that are affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen events, such as market volatility.
This new agreement represents a significant and ongoing investment in the future of Saskatchewan’s agrarian economy. By leveraging the strengths of both the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, this partnership will help to ensure that the agricultural sector remains a major contributor to the province’s economy.