Supporting sustainability in agri-food, agri-products sectors

New federal-provincial partnership will support the continued innovation, growth and prosperity of Alberta’s agriculture sector

Edmonton – The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Compared to the current partnership, which expires at the end of the month, there is a $500 million increase in cost-shared funding under the new agreement. Half of this additional funding will help develop and implement the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, which will support carbon sequestration, and protecting grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands.

In Alberta, the Sustainable CAP framework represents $508 million in funding over 5 years that will support the needs of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

Alberta’s programs will aim to create new jobs and spur growth in the agriculture sector by supporting value‑added processing competitiveness, attracting new investment and expanding irrigation capacity that will boost crop production.

The programs will also continue protecting plant and animal health and animal welfare, managing risks to our natural resources and investing in producer-led agriculture research. Canadian producers also have access to an enhanced suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms and are beyond their capacity to manage.

The Sustainable CAP comes into effect April 1, 2023 and replaces the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).