Federal Government Invests in Indigenous Agriculture and Food Initiatives

Strategic Insights -

The Canadian government has announced funding of up to $2.1 million to support three new community-led Indigenous agriculture and food initiatives. The Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative aims to increase economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada. The initiative will support Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO) will receive up to $999,900 to provide comprehensive, culturally-relevant agricultural extension and business advisory services in Ontario and three Western provinces.
  • The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) will receive just over $1 million for a three-year pilot project to grow traditional Indigenous plants and foods in a community garden and year-round winterized greenhouse.
  • The Wikwemikong Development Commission received $49,500 to plan and design a physical space in Wikwemikong that will support Indigenous agri-tourism, promoting and enhancing local products, fostering knowledge transfer of Indigenous agricultural and culinary practices.
  • The Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative is part of the federal Strategic Partnerships Initiative, which seeks to increase economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada.
  • The initiative will support Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
  • The projects aim to develop valuable skills, offer practical training, and transfer traditional knowledge.

Statistics:

  • Up to $2.1 million in funding will be invested in the Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative.
  • The Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario will receive up to $999,900.
  • The Native Women's Association of Canada will receive just over $1 million.
  • $49,500 was allocated to the Wikwemikong Development Commission.

Sources:

  • "Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Neil Ellis, announces funding for Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative." (https://news.agra.ca/)
  • "Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, on the Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative." (https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-forestry/news/2020/07/minister-of-agriculture-and-agri-food-marie-claude-bibeau-on-the-indigenous-agriculture-and-food-systems-initiative.html)
  • "Ontario Agriculture Week Celebrates Success Stories of Canadian Farmers." (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/02/ontario-agriculture-week-celebrates-success-stories-of-canadian-farmers.html)