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Horizontal Initiatives

AgriInsurance (AI)
AgriInvest
AgriRecovery - Agricultural Disaster Relief Program (ADRP)
AgriStability
Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS)
MOU with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on Food Safety System Recognition
Co-operatives Secretariat (Co-operative Development Initiative)
AAFC-Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agri-Food Specialists Positions Abroad
Farm Business Services
Rural Development

Name of Horizontal Initiative: AgriInsurance (AI)

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Business Risk Management (BRM)

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2008

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2012

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $1.6 B

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

AI includes the Production Insurance program which will aim to reduce the financial impact on producers of production losses caused by uncontrollable natural perils.

Shared Outcome(s):

Expand production loss protection to a broader range of agricultural products to further reduce the need for ad hoc compensation.

Governance Structure(s):

AI is a provincial-territorial program to which the federal government contributes financially under the federal-provincial-territorial Growing Forward Agreement. Governance structure includes various national standards outlined in federal Production Insurance Regulations and federal-provincial-territorial committees (AgriInsurance and Business Risk Management Working Groups as well as Policy Assistant Deputy Ministers).

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned Results for 2008-09 Results Achieved in 2008-09
AAFC BRM AgriInsurance $1.6 B

2008-09 to
2011-12

$388.7 M $549.9 M Increased number of new programs and options available to farmers, including new plans for horticulture and livestock sectors. Increased producer participation in provinces and territories that have amended existing plans and that are implementing new plans and options. The number of new programs increased by 13 and there are 19 more options available to farmers.

The total coverage increased by $2.2 B and the acres insured increased by 3.4 M in provinces that have amended existing plans and/or are implementing new plans and options.

  Total
$1.6 B
Total
$388.7 M
Total
$549.9 M
   

Note: Planned spending figures represent the amounts included in Main Estimates. It does not include any additional amounts that may be brought into the Department's reference levels.

Comments on Variances:

The increase in grant and contribution payments is as result of the substantial increase in premiums caused by the increase in grain prices which are reflected in the insurable values.

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):

Planning and developments are done jointly with the provinces. Therefore, the expected results are the same, but the achieved results will vary by province.

Contact Information:

Sheldon Friesen
A/Director
Production Insurance and Risk Management Division
Farm Financial Programs Branch
613-773-2068

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Name of Horizontal Initiative: AgriInvest (Statutory)

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Business Risk Management (BRM)

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

Agreements were signed with the provinces December 6, 2007, to implement the program for the 2007 program year.

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

AgriInvest is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire March 31, 2012.

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date):

As the program is statutory and demand-driven, it is only possible to provide an estimate of the total cost of the program. The current estimate is that it will cost $847.1 M over five years (2007-08 to 2011-12 fiscal years).

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

AgriInvest allows producers to self-manage, through producer-government savings accounts, the first 15 per cent of their margin losses for a production year and/or make investments to reduce on-farm risks or increase farm revenues. Under the program, annual producer deposits of up to 1.5 per cent of their allowable net sales are matched by government deposits. Government deposits are cost-shared 60:40 by federal and provincial governments. In combination with the AgriStability program, AgriInvest is the successor to the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program. AgriInvest replaces coverage for smaller income declines while AgriStability assists producers in managing larger losses.

AgriInvest provides producers with a secure, accessible, predictable, and bankable source of income assistance to address small drops in farm income and manage on-farm risks.

Authorities for the program include Section 4 of the Farm Income Protection (FIPA), as well as “Growing Forward: A Federal-Provincial-Territorial Framework Agreement on Agriculture, Agri-Food and Agri-Based Products Policy” and “Federal / Provincial / Territorial Agreement with Respect to AgriStability and AgriInvest”.

The program links to the new, 2009-10 departmental strategic outcome of “a competitive agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that proactively manages risk” and the Government of Canada’s outcome of “Strong Economic Growth.”

Federal AgriInvest Website

AgriInvest in Quebec (La Financière agricole du Québec)

Shared Outcome(s):

To mitigate the impacts of smaller income losses through the availability of timely and predictable funds.

Governance Structure(s):

The AgriInvest program is part of the comprehensive Growing Forward agricultural policy framework developed by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture, and falls under the BRM priority. Program costs, including program payments and administrative costs, are cost shared by the federal government and the provinces on a 60:40 basis, respectively.

The AgriInvest program is delivered in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Yukon by the federal government. Governments are currently working with financial institutions to set up the infrastructure necessary for them to establish and hold AgriInvest accounts. In Quebec, the AgriInvest program is delivered provincially by La Financière agricole du Québec.

Like the other BRM programs, the governance structure for the program consists of working groups and committees, including the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) BRM Working Group and FPT Administrators Working Group, as well as the National Program Advisory Committee (NPAC) which includes FPT and industry representatives. These groups examine BRM policy and program issues and, as requested, develop options to be brought forward to senior management, including FPT Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs), Deputy Ministers and Ministers. NPAC provides advice through FPT ADMs.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned Results for 2008-09 Results Achieved in 2008-09
AAFC BRM AgriInvest $847.1 M
(for fiscal years 2007/08 to 2011/12)
$170.5 M $197.4 M Reduce producers income loss through participation in BRM programs

As of March 31, 2009, approximately $525 M has been made available to producer to seed their AgriInvest accounts through the federal Kickstart initiative. As of this date, approximately $291 M had been withdrawn and $234 M remained in accounts for producers to access when needed to address small income losses and to invest in their farming operations.

On March 31, 2009, federal program administrators began mailing out letters notifying participants of their benefits under 2007 AgriInvest, their total account balances and how to access the funding in their accounts.

Work continues toward full implementation of AgriInvest, where producer deposits and government contributions will be held by financial institutions for the 2009 program year.

  Total: $847.1 M
(See note)
Total: $170.5 M
(See note)
Total: $197.4 M    

Note:
Planned spending figures represent the amounts included in Main Estimates. Spending reflects all costs incurred by the department (salary, operating, transfer payments). See also the related horizontal initiative on AgriStability, AgriInsurance, and AgriRecovery.

Comments on Variances:

AgriInvest is demand-driven, rather than being funded from a set allocation for each fiscal year. Although the administrative costs of the program remain relatively constant, the variance of the year-to-year grant and contribution payments is directly related to both participation and commodity prices, as producer deposits and government contributions are based on a percentage of their income generated from the sale of commodities for a production year.

The variance between planned and actual spending for 2008-09 can be largely attributed to an increase in the value of grains and oilseeds for the 2007 production year, which resulted in higher than anticipated allowable net sales.

A performance measurement framework is in place for the new BRM suite, which includes performance indicators and targets. Federal and provincial governments are now working to collect the information necessary for reporting and expect to be ready to report on the performance of the new suite of programs in early 2010.

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):

Coordination of program oversight and delivery with the federal government will ensure that the program is delivered consistently across provinces and that program objectives and reporting requirements are met.

Contact Information:

Danny Foster
Director General
BRM Program Development
613-773-2100

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Name of Horizontal Initiative: AgriRecovery - Agricultural Disaster Relief Program (ADRP)

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity:  Business Risk Management (BRM)

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

On December 6, 2007, program authorities were obtained to implement the ADRP under the AgriRecovery disaster relief framework beginning with the 2007-08 fiscal year.

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

Program authorities for the ADRP expire on March 31, 2011.

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date):

Authorities for the program consist of $440.7 M over four years (2007-08 to 2010-11 fiscal years). This funding is sourced from the $500 M per year in incremental funding for agriculture established in the 2006 federal budget.

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

AgriRecovery facilitates the process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to provide short-term, timely assistance to help producers quickly re-establish their income stream and contain the long-term impacts after a small- to mid-size disaster (e.g. disease, pest, weather). Programs under AgriRecovery are developed on a case-by-case basis after an assessment is completed and it is determined that there is need for assistance not covered by existing programs, such as AgriInvest, AgriStability and AgriInsurance.

Under AgriRecovery, the ADRP helps focus the coordination effort, providing fast-tracked programs of up to $20 M (up to $122.6 M per fiscal year) to quickly fund initiatives under AgriRecovery. Programming not eligible under the ADRP may still utilize the AgriRecovery framework and approval from Treasury Board would be required.

Authorities for the program include sub-section 12(5) of the Farm Income Protection Act (FIPA), as well as various agreements for individual programming developed under AgriRecovery. The program links to the Security of the Food System Strategic Outcome in the 2008-09 Program Activity Architecture (and to the new, 2009-10 departmental strategic outcome of a competitive agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that proactively manages risk) and the Government of Canada’s outcome of Strong Economic Growth.

Links to the federal AgriRecovery Website

Shared Outcome(s):

Reduce the economic impact of catastrophic natural disasters on producers through timely assistance not otherwise provided by other programs.

Governance Structure(s):

The AgriRecovery framework, including the ADRP, is part of the comprehensive Growing Forward policy framework developed by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture, and falls under the Business Risk Management priority. Under the ADRP, program costs, including program payments and administrative costs, are expected to be cost-shared by the federal government and the provinces on a 60:40 basis, respectively. For AgriRecovery programming outside the ADRP, funding options are negotiated with the provinces on a case-by-case basis.

Like the other BRM programs, the governance structure for the program consists of working groups and committees, including the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) BRM Working Group and FPT Administrators Working Group, as well as the National Program Advisory Committee (NPAC) which includes FPT and industry representatives. These groups examine BRM policy and program issues and, as requested, develop options to be brought forward to senior management, including FPT Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs), Deputy Ministers and Ministers. NPAC provides advice through FPT ADMs.

Specific to AgriRecovery and the ADRP are FTP Task Teams, which are initiated on a case-by-case basis when requested to analyze a disaster and its impacts and, if needed, develop options for an individual disaster assistance program to be brought forward to participating FTP Ministers.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned Results for 2008-09 Results Achieved in 2008-09
AAFC BRM AgriRecovery (including the ADRP) $440.7 M ($72.9 M for FY 2007/08 and $122.6 M per year for FYs 2008/09 to 2010/11) $122.6 M $56.3 M (see Comments on Variance) Reduce producers income loss through participation in BRM programs The ADRP has demonstrated its flexibility and ability to meet the objectives of providing timely assistance to minimize/contain the impacts of disasters on agricultural producers, address disaster-specific costs and losses not covered by other government programs and help farming operations return to business operations more quickly.

During the 2008-09 fiscal year, AgriRecovery was utilized by federal and provincial governments to respond to six disasters, including the Duponchelia moth in Ontario, Golden Nematode in Alberta, Bovine Tuberculosis in British Columbia, drought in areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and flooding in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.

  Total: $440.7 M (See note 1 and  2) Total: $122.6 M Total: $56.3 M (see Comments on Variance)    

Notes:

  1. Planned spending figures represent the amounts included in Main Estimates and approved Treasury Board Submissions. See also the related horizontal initiative on AgriInsurance, AgriStability and AgriInvest.
  2. Under AgriRecovery funding is secured for the 2007/08 to 2011/12 fiscal years; however, authorities for the ADRP, which may utilize AgriRecovery funding, currently expire on March 31, 2011.
  3. The Plum Pox Eradication Program includes two components. The survey/research component which accounts for $6.2 M annually and the financial assistance component which is $2.4 M annually. The annual $2.4 M allocation is sourced from funding available for the AgriRecovery. This amount is reported as part of the costs for that program and is not included in the numbers above.

Comments on Variances:

Actual spending for 2008-09 includes total spent for completed programs (Duponchelia, Alberta Potatoes and Bovine TB) and the full funding for programs which have had their unspent funding put into Payables at Year End (PAYE) accounts (Manitoba Forage, Manitoba Forage Restoration and Feed Assistance, PEI Potatoes, and Saskatchewan Drought). Actual spending for all programs to date is estimated at $19.2 M, the rest is currently in PAYE accounts. Actual spending is approximately one-half of the planned spending. This is due to the unpredictable nature of both the occurrence and scope of agricultural disasters.

A performance measurement framework is in place for the new BRM suite, which includes performance indicators and targets. Federal and provincial governments are now working to collect the information necessary for reporting and expect to be ready to report on the performance of the new suite of programs in early 2010.

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):

Joint planning and execution (federally and provincially) will be undertaken so that results are consistent.

Contact Information:

Danny Foster
Director General
BRM Program Development
613-773-2100


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Name of Horizontal Initiative: AgriStability (Statutory)

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Business Risk Management (BRM)

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

Agreements were signed with the provinces December 19, 2007, to implement the program for the 2007 program year.

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

AgriStability is statutory and ongoing; however, the current policy and program authorities expire March 31, 2012.

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date):

As the program is statutory and demand-driven, it is only possible to provide an estimate of the total cost of the program. The current estimate is that it will cost $3,189 M over five fiscal years (2007-08 to 2011-12 fiscal years).

For the period of 2007-2008, the funding in the amount of $607.5 M pertains to the Canadian Agriculture Income Stabilization (CAIS) program which preceded AgriStability.

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

AgriStability is one of the four core pillars that make up the Business Risk Management Suite under Growing Forward.

AgriStability is a margin-based program that provides support when a producer experiences larger farm income losses, which are drops in their margin (eligible farm income, less eligible farm expenses), for the program year of more than 15 per cent of the producer's average margin from previous years (i.e., their reference margin). Thus a payment is triggered under the program when a producer’s program year margin drops below 85 per cent of the reference margin. AgriStability also includes coverage for negative margins, as well as mechanisms to advance a participant a portion of their expected payment during the year when a significant decline in income is expected (interim payments and Targeted Advance Payments). In combination with the AgriInvest program, it is the successor to the CAIS program. AgriInvest replaces coverage for smaller income declines while AgriStability assists producers in managing larger losses.

Authorities for the program include Section 4 of the Farm Income Protection Act (FIPA), as well as “Growing Forward: A Federal-Provincial-Territorial Framework Agreement on Agriculture, Agri-Food and Agri-Based Products Policy” and “Federal / Provincial / Territorial Agreement with Respect to AgriStability and AgriInvest.”

The program links to links to the Security of the Food System Strategic Outcome in the 2008-09 Program Activity Architecture (and to the new, 2009-10 departmental strategic outcome of a competitive agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that proactively manages risk) and the Government of Canada's outcome of Strong Economic Growth.

Federal AgriStability Website
AgriStability in Alberta - Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)
AgriStability in Ontario (Agricorp)
AgriStability in Quebec (La Financière agricole du Québec)
AgriStability on Prince Edward Island (PEI Agricultural Insurance Corporation)

Shared Outcome(s):

To mitigate the impacts of larger income losses with margin protection.

Governance Structure(s):

The AgriStability program is part of the comprehensive Growing Forward agricultural policy framework developed by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture, and falls under the BRM priority. Program costs, including program payments and administrative costs, are cost shared by the federal government and the provinces on a 60:40 basis, respectively.

The AgriStability program is currently delivered in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon by the federal government. In Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, the AgriStability program is delivered provincially.

Like the other BRM programs, the governance structure for the program consists of working groups and committees, including the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) BRM Working Group and FPT Administrators Working Group, as well as the National Program Advisory Committee (NPAC) which includes FPT and industry representatives. These groups examine BRM policy and program issues and, as requested, develop options to be brought forward to senior management, including FPT Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs), Deputy Ministers and Ministers. NPAC provides advice through FPT ADMs.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Expected Results for
2008-09
Results Achieved in
2008-09
AAFC BRM AgriStability $3,189 M for the fiscal years 2007-08 to 2011-12 ($607.5 M pertains to the period of 2007-08 for CAIS which preceeded AgriStability) $699.3 M $377.0 M Reduce producers' income loss through participation in BRM programs AgriStability payments are based on tax information for the program year. Although much of the processing of payments for the first year of AgriStability (2007 program year) was done in the 2008-09 fiscal year, processing will be finalized and performance data will be tallied in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Performance data collected in 2008-09 related to the 2006 CAIS program. The program covered 52 per cent of Canadian producers (including those in the supply-managed sectors), representing 66 per cent of total market revenue. Although this is below the target of 75 per cent, it still represents a significant portion of the industry. It is also anticipated that participation will improve under the new suite of BRM programs. 40 per cent of participants received a payment under the 2006 CAIS program, which contributed to increasing the margins of participants from 60 per cent of their reference margins to 86 per cent. This was above the target of 80 per cent.

With respect to the processing of 2007 and 2008 AgriStability payments: Where requested by provinces, the Targeted Advance Payments (TAPs) mechanism provided quicker access to these payments for hog and cattle producers ($98 M to 1,713 hog producers for 2007 and $166 M to 3,767 hog and cattle producers for 2008). Changes such as deeper negative margin coverage and an improved inventory valuation method are also expected to benefit those faced with declining incomes and consecutive years of loss. Details of the processing of payments under AgriStability will be provided in 2009-10.

  Total
$3,189 M for the fiscal years
2007-08 to 2011-12
Total $699.3 M (See note) Total $377.0 M    

Note: Planned spending figures represent the amounts included in Main Estimates. It does not include any additional amounts that may be brought into the Department's reference levels. Spending reflects all costs incurred by the department (salary, operating, transfer payments). See also the related horizontal initiative on AgriInvest, AgriInsurance and AgriRecovery.

Comments on Variances:

AgriStability is demand-driven rather than funded from a set allocation for each fiscal year. Although the administrative costs remain relatively constant, the variance of the year-to-year grant and contribution payments is directly related to participation and the needs of the agriculture industry. As such, in good years, the program will cost governments less, while in bad years (i.e., years with dropping commodity prices, disasters, etc.) the costs of the program will be higher.

The variance between planned and actual spending for 2008-09 can be largely attributed to an increase in the value of grains and oilseeds for the 2007 production year. Historically, grains and oilseeds have accounted for a significant portion of coverage under CAIS and higher prices in the sector resulted in both reduced participation and a decrease in the number of payments being triggered as margins in the sector increased.

A performance measurement framework is in place for the new BRM suite, which includes performance indicators and targets. Federal and provincial governments are now working to collect the information necessary for reporting and expect to be ready to report on the performance of the new suite of programs in early 2010.

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

Coordination of program oversight and delivery with the federal government will ensure that the program is delivered consistently and that program objectives and reporting requirements are met.

Contact information:

Danny Foster
Director General
BRM Program Development
613-773-2100


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Name of Horizontal Initiative:  Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS)

Name of Lead Department(s):  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity:  Innovation and Renewal

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:  April 1, 2003 

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:  March 31, 2008, extended to March 31, 2009 (Program has ended)

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date):  $74.58 M over six years

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

Farmers and/or their spouses were offered assistance for skills development and access to training that could result in increased on-farm or off-farm income. Assistance was provided to develop an individual learning plan and to access training in areas such as improved farm practices and farm business management including accounting, finance, human resource management; training for other employment; or training to acquire skills for starting a new business. Financial support for training such as tuition fees for courses, supplies for courses as well as travel and accommodation was also provided. Further details.

Shared Outcome(s):

(a) Farmers' profitability increased;
(b) Improved choices about sources of income; and
(c) Production of farm products based on market and consumer demands respecting food safety and food quality and environmentally responsible production, and opportunities from science and innovation captured.

Governance Structure(s):

Program development with Renewal federal/provincial/territorial working group. Program delivery by Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), provincial governments and third-party delivery agents.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned
Results for 2008-09
Results Achieved in 2008-09
AAFC/Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) Innovation and Renewal Canadian Agricultural Skills Service $74.58 M $12 M $16.3 M (1) Increased implementation by low-income farmers and farm families of skills-based income strategies

(2) Farmers express satisfaction with CASS

(1) 65% have decided to budget for training in the future, compared to 21% in the past.

(2) 89% expressed satisfaction with CASS.

  Total
$74.58 M
Total
$12 M
Total
$16.3 M
   

Note: Planned Spending and Total Allocation figures represent the amounts included in Estimates.

Comments on Variances:

The delivery of CASS was in its fourth year in 2008-09. Increased awareness of the program, combined with the CASS cross compliance requirement under the Canadian Farm Families Options Program, resulted in higher uptake than originally anticipated for 2008-09.

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):

CASS was delivered through agreements with five provinces (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island) and through HRSDC (Service Canada) in the remaining four provinces and the Yukon (CASS was not available in Quebec and only available on demand in Nunavut and Northwest Territories). Provinces that previously delivered the CASS program continued to do so, thereby contributing to AAFC's expected results for the program. Non-federal partners also continued to participate in the Renewal federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) working group, where program issues were addressed as the program entered its last stages. Planning and execution were done jointly (federally and provincially/territorially), so provincial and territorial results to be achieved are aligned.

Contact Information:

Johanne Métayer
Director
Renewal Division
Farm Financial Programs Branch
613-773-2006


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Name of Horizontal Initiative: MOU with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on Food Safety System Recognition

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Food Safety and Food Quality

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

Original start date under Agricultural Policy Framework was April 1, 2003. The start date for this 2008-09 MOU is April 1, 2008.

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

The end date is March 31, 2009. A new four-year MOU under Growing Forward is expected to be signed during 2009-10.

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $12.4 M over six years

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The following Food Safety System Recognition initiative will be performed by the CFIA under the MOU during 2008-09:

The System Recognition initiative will provide government recognition of on-farm and post-farm food safety systems developed by national industry organizations. The CFIA will continue the development and delivery of food safety system recognition programs and provide scientific and technical advice to support food safety system development based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).

The four elements of this initiative are:

  • On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program
  • Post-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program
  • Scientific and Technical Support
  • Other Activities in support of food safety system development

Shared Outcome(s):

  1. protecting human health by reducing exposure to hazards; and
  2. increasing consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food produced in Canada

Governance Structure(s):

The overall administration of the MOU is delegated to the Director General, Agriculture Transformation Programs Directorate, AAFC and the Executive Director, Food Safety and Consumer Protection Directorate, CFIA.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Expected Results for
2008-09
Results Achieved in
2008-09
AAFC Food Safety and Food Quality Work performed by CFIA n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
CFIA Food Safety and Public Health On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program (OFFSRP) $10.0 M for 2003-04 to 2007-08 under APF and $2.4 M for 2008-09 under the first year (continuity) of Growing Forward $2.4 M $2.4 M OFFSR Development
The latter stages of the OFFSRP piloted in consultation with industry and FPT governments


Latter stages of the recognition process were ready to pilot pending decision by FPT committees on implementation options regarding audits and assessments.
Training to industry and government partners on details of above processes provided Training was delayed until the above decision made.
Implementation
On-going technical review of industry-submitted generic HACCP models and producer manuals

Technical review was completed for 1 industry-submitted generic HACCP model and producer manual, and 2 more were initiated.
On-going technical review of industry procedures manual, management system documents and associated manuals Technical review was completed for 1 industry-submitted management manual and associated materials.
Post-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program (PFFSRP) Options for a post-farm food safety recognition program developed Options for a post-farm food safety recognition program are developed and ready for review by FPT committees and industry groups.
Scientific and Technical Support Timely scientific and technical advice to AAFC and AAFC stakeholders provided Timely scientific and technical advice was provided to AAFC and AAFC stakeholders.
Other Activities in support of food safety system development

Hazard Data Base (HDB)
The web-based application developed and implemented for the provision of the HDB technical information to stakeholders to facilitate the development of generic HACCP models



Hazard Data Base user acceptance data testing complete. Analysis of test results to be finalized.
Generic Models
On-farm and/or post-farm HACCP generic models for identified products developed

Generic HACCP models for moulded chocolate and fresh alimentary paste were fully developed and released to stakeholders.
Guidelines
Reference documents for on-farm and/or post-farm that will serve as a tool for industry regarding the safety of identified products/ commodities developed

Food Safety Practices Guidance documents for moulded chocolate and fresh alimentary paste were fully developed and released to stakeholders.
Medicated Feeds Regulations Medicated Feeds Regulations
Regulatory text developed and regulations implemented.


Due to changing priorities, Medicated Feeds Regulations Initiative expired on March 31, 2008 and therefore was not funded in 2008-09. Originally, $17M was allocated to this element and transferred to CFIA.
  Total
$12.4M
Total
$ 2.4 M
Total
$ 2.4 M
   

Comments on Variances:

Piloting of the final stages of the OFFSRP was delayed due to the competing priorities of Growing Forward and Food Safety Action Plan and re-structuring within the responsible FPT committees. User acceptance testing analysis must be finalized to complete HDB project.

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable): Not applicable

Contact information:

Shelley Monlezun
Director Food Safety and Traceability Programs Division
613-773-1930

Dr. Robert Charlebois
Executive Director
Food Safety and Consumer Protection Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-5445


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Name of Horizontal Initiative: Co-operatives Secretariat (Co-operative Development Initiative)

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2003

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2009 (Renewed to March 31, 2013)

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $22.0 M over six years

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The Co-operatives Secretariat was established in 1987 to help the Government of Canada respond more effectively to the concerns and needs of Canadian co-operatives. The Secretariat advises the government on policies affecting co-operatives, co-ordinates the implementation of such policies, promotes co-operatives within the federal government, and provides a link between the co-operative sector and the many federal departments and agencies with which they interact. The Co-operatives Secretariat is managing the Co-operative Development Initiative (2003-09) and the Agricultural-Co-operative Development Initiative 2006-09.

Shared Outcome(s):

The end outcome of the Government of Canada with respect to co-operatives is the expanded use of the co-operatives model to enhance the economic growth and social development of Canadian rural and urban society. The objectives are to:

  1. raise awareness of the co-operative model and of the role that co-operatives can play in both social and economic development;
  2. promote policies, programs and legislation that support co-operatives development to achieve federal policy objectives, and greater harmonization of efforts; and
  3. encourage the growth of existing co-operatives and the creation of new co-operatives to meet the social and economic needs of Canadians.

Governance Structure(s):

The Co-operatives Secretariat was created to improve the relationship between Canadian co-operatives and federal departments and agencies. Formal mechanisms for collaboration include the Interdepartmental Committee on Co-operatives, dialogue with provincial collaborators and sector working groups. The Co-operatives Secretariat acts as a coordinator for interaction between the government and the co-operative sector. The Secretariat is headed by a Director, and is part of the Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat within AAFC. For more details on the functions of the Secretariat, visit their website.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Expected Results for
2008-09
Results Achieved in
2008-09

AAFC/
Co-operatives Secretariat

The Co-operatives Secretariat is liaising with key departments and agencies with legislation, policies and programs affecting co-operatives.

A listing of the 17 departments is available upon request.

Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI):

- Advisory Services

- Innovation & Research

 

Agricultural Co-operative Development Initiative
(Ag-CDI)

Not applicable $22.0 M

(for fiscal years 2003-04 to 2008-09)

$5.1 M $5.4 M Innovative Canadian communities benefiting from economic opportunity Partnership with the co-op sector in CDI program delivery was enhanced by broadening services delivered by the sector. Progress was made to develop a partnership approach involving the sector and academics in building a common research agenda on co-operatives.

Under Ag-CDI, farmers and rural communities were provided with assistance to establish bio-fuel and value added agricultural projects. During the program 45 co-operatives were supported. In addition, the capacity to support the development of agricultural co-operatives was enhanced through creation of tools, learning exchange activities, and research activities which empowered farmers, agricultural stakeholders and communities.

  Total
$22.0 M
Total
$5.1 M
Total
$5.4 M
   

Comments on Variances: Spent $300K more than projected to enhance CDI Advisory Services

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable): Not applicable

Contact information:

Donna Mitchell
Executive Director
Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat
613-759-7113


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Name of Horizontal Initiative: AAFC-Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agri-Food Specialists Positions Abroad

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Markets and International

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: 2003-04 fiscal year

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2008 (extended until March 31, 2009 while an updated MOU was drafted).

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $55.464 M

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The aim of the Program Activity Markets and International is to contribute to the Strategic Outcome (Security of the Food System) through expanding international opportunities for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Activities under this MOU contributed to the maintenance and development of a competitive agriculture and agri-food sector that has the necessary attributes to position itself strategically to take advantage of new market opportunities, and/or to reposition itself to protect against changing market risks.

A key objective of the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) International component was to strengthen Canada's market access and market development capacity and gain recognition for Canada's world-leading capabilities to meet the quality demands of highly segmented and increasingly competitive global markets.

This MOU established the operational principles, management practices and performance measurement criteria for the 34 agriculture and agri-food specialist positions in Canadian Embassies and High Commissions located in key export markets. The agricultural specialist's role is to enhance the delivery of services to Canadian agricultural exporters in areas such as agriculture and agri-food business development, investment promotion, market access and advocacy, and market penetration. These 34 positions were transferred to AAFC on April 1, 2008 as a result of the expiry of the MOU respecting how the two departments would manage the positions. However, the two departments saw value in renegotiating a new MOU in 2008-09 which focused on a joint, comprehensive platform to strengthen and enhance the contribution of the two departments to Canada's success in international commerce for agriculture and agri-food products and to advance the interests of Canada in the global market place. The new MOU takes into account the international component of AAFC's Growing Forward framework agreement and DFAIT's Global Commerce Strategy.

Shared Outcome(s):

  1. Improved capacity within the Trade Commissioner Service in each department to deliver in-market support to Canadian agricultural exporters;
  2. Increased recognition in targeted markets of Canada-branded food and agriculture products, recognizing Canada's ability to supply high-quality, safe and innovative products produced in an environmentally responsible manner; and
  3. Improved market access in key markets for Canadian agri-food and agriculture products.

Governance Structure(s): Joint Management Council of Assistant Deputy Ministers

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned Results
for 2008-09
Results Achieved in
2008-09
AAFC Markets and International Negotiation of a new MOU $0 M $0 M $0 M Interdepart-mental relationship and roles clarified; investment for subsequent years agreed An updated bilateral MOU guiding the relationship and shared interests between AAFC and DFAIT was negotiated as a draft in
2008-09 and will be signed in 2009-2010.
Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioners (formerly Agriculture and Agri-Food Specialists Abroad) program was extended by one year pending the approval of Growing Forward by the Treasury Board $42.5 M for
2003-04 to
2007-08, and $7.5 M for a one year extension for
2008-09
$7.5 M $7.5 M Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioners deliver in-market support to Canadian exporters, contributing to market development, improved market access and promotion of the Canada brand for food and agriculture. Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioners contributed to an increase in exports of Canadian agriculture, food and beverage products of 20%, from $35 B in
2007-08 to $42.5 B in 2008-09.
DFAIT International Commerce Client Service Fund (CSF) $0.464 M $0.464 M $0.563 M Support initiatives related to agriculture, food and seafood sector Local market CSF was used to leverage funds from the private sector, provinces and AAFC (amounts included above) for specific activities related to increasing exports for the sector.
North America Partnership Program (NAPP) $5.0 M for
2008-09 to
2012-13
$1.0 M $1.0 M Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioners deliver in-market services to industry, and market development/ promotion and trade advocacy in United States markets The $1.0 M was used to fund 4 positions in US missions and to conduct specific activities in US markets aimed at increasing exports to the US.
  Total $55.464 M Total $8.964 M Total $9.063 M    

Comments on Variances:

Sixty-six DFAIT Missions abroad allocated in total $0.1 M more funds under their Client Service Fund allocations to the agriculture, food and seafood sectors due to growing interest from companies (as measured by greater financial partnership in local market initiatives by companies), often resulting in a consequent changing priority for the sector in some markets abroad.

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable): Not applicable

Contact information:

Bruce Howard
Director, Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioner Service
613-773-1571


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Name of Horizontal Initiative: Farm Business Services

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Innovation and Renewal

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2003

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2008, extended to March 31, 2009 (Program has ended)

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $109.0 M over six years

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

These services provided eligible farmers with access to financial consultants who helped them assess their finances and develop succession, action plans and business plans (financial, marketing, value-added). Further details can be found at the following web link.

Shared Outcome(s):

(a) Farmers' profitability increased;
(b) Improved choices about sources of income; and
(c) Production of farm products based on market and consumer demands respecting food safety and food quality and environmentally responsible production, and opportunities from science and innovation captured.

Governance Structure(s):

Program development and performance measurement by Renewal federal/provincial/territorial working group.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs
for Federal Partners
Total
Allocation
(from start
to end date)
Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned
Results for
2008-09
Results Achieved in
2008-09
AAFC Innovation and Renewal a.  Canadian Farm Business Advisory Services (CFBAS), which has two phases:          
i. Farm Business Assessment (FBA) $55.8 M
over six years,
2003/04-2008/09
$8.8 M $10.2 M

(1) Increased implementation by farmers of business development strategies

(2) Farmers are satisfied with programs.

(1) 85% would consider using a consultant in the future (25% were budgeting for this).

(2) 88% were satisfied with the FBA program.

ii.  Specialized Business Planning Services (SBPS) $26.5 M
over six years, 2003/04-2008/09
$3.1 M $3.2 M

(1) Increased implementation by farmers of business development strategies

(2) Farmers are satisfied with programs

(1) 92% would consider using a consultant in the future (62% were budgeting for this).

(2) 89% were satisfied with the program.

b. Planning and Assessment for Value-Added Enterprises (PAVE) $26.7 M
over six years,
2003/04-2008/09
$.4 M $.4 M

(1) Increased implementation by farmers of business development strategies

(2) Farmers are satisfied with programs

(1) 91% would consider using a consultant in the future (45% were budgeting for this).

(2) 70% were satisfied with the program.

  Total
$109 M
over six years, 2003/04-2008/09
Total
$12.3 M
Total
$13.8 M
   

Note: Planned Spending and Total Allocation figures represent the amounts included in Estimates.

Comments on Variances:

Increased awareness of the FBA program, combined with the FBA cross compliance requirement under the Canadian Farm Families Options Program, resulted in higher uptake than originally anticipated for 2008-09 (uptake of SBPS and PAVE was similar to previous years).

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):

Delivery was primarily federal. Non-federal partners delivered Renewal programs where collateral agreements were signed (Quebec and the First Nations Agricultural Council of Saskatchewan Inc.). Non-federal partners participated in the Renewal federal-provincial-territorial working group, where program issues were addressed. Planning was done jointly (federally and provincially) so provincial results to be achieved do not differ.

Contact Information:

Johanne Métayer
Director
Renewal Division
Farm Financial Programs Branch
613-773-2006

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Name of Horizontal Initiative: Rural Development

Name of Lead Department(s): Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lead Department Program Activity: Rural and Co-operative Secretariats

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2003

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2008, extended until March 31, 2009 (A renewed Canadian Rural Partnership was approved at the end of the year.)

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $ 71.6 M over six years

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The Rural Secretariat, through the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP), helps government to better understand the issues and concerns of rural Canadians and to encourage federal departments and agencies to adjust policies, programs and services to reflect the unique needs of rural communities. Through the CRP, the Government of Canada aims to enhance the quality of life for rural Canadians.

Shared Outcome(s):

The outcome is to enable rural communities to use their innovative capacity to capture the value of local amenities and achieve greater local economic competitiveness. It is based on the following six guiding principles:

  1. community is the cornerstone of rural development;
  2. collaboration across and among governments;
  3. flexible government approach to address rural diversity;
  4. multi-faceted/integrated approach to realize a community's potential;
  5. local leadership underpins the community's capacity; and
  6. business and entrepreneurship are essential components of building strong rural communities.

Governance Structure(s):

The CRP is managed by the Rural Secretariat. It contributes to raising awareness and inclusion of rural Canada in federal policies and programs. For example:

  • The Rural Development Network, a policy maker forum, involves 27 federal departments and agencies;
  • The National Rural Research Network brings together research partners from both academia and government to focus on enhancing knowledge about rural issues to better inform policy making;
  • The Community Information Database, a free web based resource, provides comprehensive and reliable information on economic, social and demographic factors at the community level to support decision making and action; and
  • The Rural Partnership Development Program funds activities that encourage collaborative economic activities at the community level.

These efforts are reinforced by Rural Teams in each province and territory comprised of federal government representatives; most teams also include members from the provincial or territorial government and/or sectoral stakeholders.

Federal Partners Federal Partner Program Activity Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from start to end date) Planned Spending for
2008-09
Actual Spending for
2008-09
Planned Results for
2008-09
Results Achieved in
2008-09
AAFC/Rural Secretariat

A listing of the 27 departments and agencies part of the Rural Development Network

Rural and Co-operative Secretariats The Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP) $71.6 M for fiscal years 2003-04 to 2008-09 $11.6 M $9.9 M Innovative Canadian communities benefiting from economic opportunity

New policies and programs that address rural issues

The Rural Secretariat was instrumental in developing partnership projects, such as the Nunavut Economic Forum, to advance Rural Canada’s social and economic agendas.

A renewed CRP was approved at the end of the year.

  Total
$71.6 M
Total
$11.6 M
Total
$9.9 M
   

Comments on Variances:

Spending under Grants and Contributions were $1.8 M lower than planned due to the fact that the period for program intake was shorter than expected, and that funding was limited to short term projects because of the one-year funding extension to the program.

Results to be achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):  Not applicable

Contact Information:

Donna Mitchell
Executive Director
Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat
613-759-7113