Quesnel, British Columbia, July 16, 2010 – The Government of Canada is investing to help the province's agricultural and forestry (woodlot) sectors remain profitable and competitive together. Member of Parliament Dick Harris (Prince George), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced the investment of $421,000 for the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations (FBCWA).
"BC farmers, ranchers and tree growers are always looking for new ways to help them remain competitive and maintain their long-term profitability," said MP Harris, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will make it easier for farmers to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities while keeping their land healthy."
This investment will help the FBCWA identify how best to grow trees, crops or raise livestock on the same land while maximizing production, increasing profitability and preserving the land.
"This investment by the Government of Canada through the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF) gives woodlot owners and licensees the opportunity to link agroforestry products to potential markets," said Brian McNaughton, General Manager of the FBCWA. "Creating another source of revenue is very important to woodlotters' future success, as it gives them a reason to reinvest in the land."
The FBCWA was formed in 1988 as a volunteer, non-profit organization and consists of 23 woodlot associations. The federation aims for all its members, many of whom are farmers and ranchers, to practice sound forest and natural resources management.
"Many of B.C.'s agricultural producers are looking for opportunities to diversify their operations," said Jim Tingle, IAF Director. "This funding will help our farmers and ranchers better understand how agroforestry practices can contribute to the viability, diversity and stability of their operations."
This investment is being provided by Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million national initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. In British Columbia, CAAP is delivered by the IAF. In-kind support is being offered by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Eligible CAAP projects could be in areas of traceability, environment, climate change, capacity development, pests and diseases, and more.
Canada's Economic Action Plan, coupled with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives such as CAAP, continues to help farmers as it focuses on creating jobs and strengthening the economy. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy.
For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap. To learn more about the IAF, please visit www.iafbc.ca.
BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative Archive