"AFC is delighted to have earned the opportunity to manage Alberta's $21.9-million portion of CAAP, continuing the tradition of good stewardship the Council has demonstrated in administering previous federal programs," said AFC Chair Doug Livingstone. "We are also pleased to see the federal government make such an important contribution to the future of agriculture at such a crucial time."
CAAP will build on the success of the previous program, Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) by helping farm families and processors respond and adapt to operational challenges.
Initiatives funded under CAAP will be project-based and originate from industry. The program encourages the agricultural industry to work in partnerships across the value chain - including farmers, processors, distributors and retailers - to develop and use innovative solutions and to explore new market opportunities. Projects will also address a variety of issues and challenges, including traceability, environment, pests and diseases.
Eligible recipients of CAAP must be legal Canadian entities capable of entering into a contract. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals, organizations, associations, cooperatives, marketing boards, corporations, aboriginal groups, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies. Federal, provincial and territorial government departments or agencies, universities and colleges are not eligible. There are national, regional and multi-regional components of the program. The regional aspect of CAAP will be delivered by Industry Councils across the country, including AFC in Alberta. More information on CAAP in Alberta will be posted on the AFC website www.agfoodcouncil.com as it becomes available.
The Council is a leader in Alberta's agriculture and food industry. It is a unique agent with a vision to ensure that Alberta's agriculture and food industry will be globally competitive, profitable and sustainable. To help realize this vision, the Council has developed various partnerships with industry and governments. It operates a number of targeted programs and initiatives, and is increasingly viewed by industry partners as a catalyst for policy discussions on important issues and trends affecting the sector.
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For more information, please contact:
Cory Rybuck, Executive Director, Federal Programs
Agriculture and Food Council
Phone Toll Free: (866) 955-3714 ext. 235
