B.C. farmers and food processors will receive increased food security support over the next five years through a new agreement between the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

“The Sustainable CAP is an ambitious collaboration by the governments of Canada and British Columbia to advance the province’s agricultural sector and ensure producers, ranchers and processors have the tools they need to continue to grow,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“By working together, we can advance the sector and ensure it is resilient and able to prosper economically, socially and environmentally.”

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will provide increased support for an innovative, adaptive, and resilient agricultural sector in British Columbia.

Through the partnership, more than $140 million will be invested in strategic initiatives, a 25% increase over the previous funding agreement.

“This partnership will support our government’s focus on food security for all British Columbians while investing significantly in B.C. farmers, producers and processors,” said Pam Alexis, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food.

“Agriculture is a key economic driver in B.C. and through this agreement we will be able to create new opportunities that make the sector even stronger while also supporting shared priorities such as Indigenous reconciliation, reducing emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change, as well as more innovative and sustainable food production.”

Among other things, the cash is expected to assist the agriculture sector through new and enhanced programs and funding in Indigenous reconciliation, climate change adaptation, preparedness and mitigation, emergency and business risk management and food safety and traceability.

The Sustainable CAP replaces the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the five-year federal-provincial agreement that ends March 31, 2023.

To view the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.