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Growing Forward is a fresh, new approach to creating a profitable and competitive agricultural sector in Canada.
Growing Forward Vision
A profitable and innovative agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products industry that seizes opportunities in responding to market demands and contributes to the health and well-being of Canadians.
Growing Forward Objectives:
- Focusing on building a competitive and innovative sector.
- Ensuring the sector contributes to society's priorities.
- Being proactive in managing risks.
Canada's agriculture sector has helped shape Growing Forward from the beginning, and we will continue to consult stakeholders to develop programs that work better, meet their needs and help them continue to create a sector that thrives.
www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1200339470715&lang=eng
In Alberta
Alberta Agriculture is committed to cultivating the Growing Forward objectives that have been developed in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The Growing Forward team has developed a one-window approach to program delivery to make access easier for you. All programs are targeted to address at least one of the following key core outcomes:
- Profitable and competitive.
- Able to retain or capture domestic and international market opportunities.
- Prepared for and able to respond effectively to emergencies.
- Able to manage risk effectively.
Explore the website to find more information on each individual program. Complete the Self Assessment to learn about what programs are most relevant to you.
Think locally, grow globally
Growing Forward is a new commitment from Canada’s Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture to develop an Agricultural Policy Framework that better positions the agriculture industry for success.
A new vision. A vibrant industry. Albertans have indicated that they want a profitable, competitive, market-oriented agriculture and agri-foods industry. The programs and people behind Growing Forward are here to assist.
With a suite of programs to choose from, Growing Forward offers something for your changing needs. Growing Forward opportunities are focused on building a sector that is:
- Profitable and competitive.
- Able to retain or capture domestic and international market opportunities.
- Prepared for and able to respond effectively to emergencies.
- Able to manage risk effectively.
We know that Alberta agriculture and the agri-food sector responds to society’s priorities. Research shows that Albertans are increasingly health conscious and environmentally aware; Growing Forward programs are designed to support this progressive thinking.
The programs and services offered through Growing Forward are designed with you in mind. The approach to program delivery is simple and accessible. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a vision to continue promoting our industry. Let us work together as we think locally and grow globally.
Bio-Security (Producer)
Bio-Security, a Growing Forward initiative to facilitate effective risk management.
Program Description
The Bio-Security program is designed to develop industry-wide standards to prevent the introduction of animal diseases into livestock operations and containment in the event of disease incursions. Containment relates to preventing transmission of infectious agents within and between livestock enterprises.
Promotion of bio-security engenders trust in the agri-food industry at all levels of trade, domestically and internationally.
Program Eligibility
The Bio-Security program is targeted at:
- Producers involved in primary agriculture and food production.
Note: presently only the poultry and mink industries have National Bio-security standards in place. Other livestock commodities have initiated activity directed to this end and may qualify if work can be clearly shown to be part of developing national.
- Animal health professionals and consultants assisting producers.
Available Funding
Assistance will be on a 50/50 cost shared basis with the applicant to a maximum of $50,000 for capital items or $25,000 for non-capital items.
Program Start Date
September 1, 2009.
Business Opportunity Grant
Business Opportunity Grant, a Growing Forward initiative to increase your profitability and strengthen your competitive position.
Program Description
The Business Opportunity Grant program is designed to provide assistance to Alberta primary agriculture producers, and small agri-business organizations in accessing one-to-one expertise that will contribute to helping their business adapt to the changing business environment. It is aimed at individuals and small business organizations that are looking to transform their operation to meet market and consumer demands. Contracting services such as, independent risk management consultants, advisory and business opportunity analysis services that will contribute to making informed and calculated business decisions will be supported.
Program Eligibility
The Business Opportunity Grant program is targeted at Alberta’s primary agriculture producers, small agri-business and new entrants to the industry. Some of the projects/areas that funding may be used for include:
- Farm business financial assessments.
- Enterprise analysis and opportunity assessment.
- Benchmarking, feasibility studies, and opportunity/profitability assessments.
- New business - market research.
- Business management consultants/coaches.
- Business and marketing plans.
- Succession plans.
- Business structures and the legal and financial expenses associated with the business model formation
Available Funding
Assistance will be provided on a cost shared basis up to 75/25 with the applicant, when individual producers or business are the sole beneficiary to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant per year, or up to 90/10 government and the applicant when the project will benefit an organization, group or industry sector.
On-Farm Energy Management
On-Farm Energy Assessment, a Growing Forward initiative to increase your profitability and strengthen your competitive position.
Program Description
The On-Farm Energy Assessment is designed to achieve incremental energy efficiency in Alberta agricultural operations, resulting in cost savings, energy conservation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Program Eligibility
Alberta producers with $10,000 gross farm income annually or new producers with a projected 3-year average gross farm income of $10,000.
Available Funding
For assessment-recommended retrofits:
- 100% of purchase costs, up to the cost of the farm energy assessment; and
- 75% of purchase costs, beyond the cost of the farm energy assessment, up to $50,000.
For new construction:
- 75% of purchase costs, as determined on a case-by-case basis.
For renewable energy technology:
- 75% of purchase costs, up to $50,000.
How to Apply
You must first complete a work plan and submit it for approval prior to beginning work on projects.
Program Start Date
April 1, 2009.
Food Safety
Certification programs to ensure the safety of Canadian food products, building consumer confidence.
Food Safety — OFFS (Delivery Agent)
Food Safety — OFFS (Producer)
Food Safety — Processing (Delivery Agent)
Food Safety — Processing (Processor)
Leadership
Educational programs for Alberta leaders and managers to take their business to new levels.
Leadership Development Grant
Lean Manufacturing and Automation
Programs to implement technology and systems enabling Alberta producers and processors to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Product and Market Development
Introducing value chain information systems to make Alberta food products more unique, competitive and profitable.
Traceability
Supply chain traceability and technologies that ensure Canada’s leadership in animal health and food safety.
RFID Technology Assistance
Traceability Pilot Project
Traceability Training Program
Water Management
Support for programs and projects that enhance Alberta agri-business’ long term water supply.
Please visit the website: http://www.growingforward.alberta.ca for program description; program eligibility, available funding and how to apply or:
Contact: 310-FARM
GrowingForward@gov.ab.ca |
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