On June 29,2001 the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers agreed, in principle, on a national action plan to make Canada the world leader in food safety, innovation and environmental protection. Part of the action plan includes efforts to renew the sector through programming for farmers that addresses their unique needs and helps them to change.
The sector is facing rapid change and is becoming an increasingly knowledge intensive industry. As well, a demographic turnover will occur over the coming years as a significant number of farmers retire. Ministers agree that it is important for governments to help farmers adapt to this changing environment and will work over the coming year to develop the details of the agricultural policy framework encompassing specific federal-provincial-territorial agreements in the areas of renewal, environmentally sustainable agriculture and on-farm food safety.
For beginning farmers, this means ensuring that they have the tools to prepare for successful careers in agriculture and access to viable farming operations and financing arrangements.