OTTAWA, Ontario, - Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) today announced the environmental portion of the Growing Forward framework. Worth almost $200 million over five years, this federal investment will deliver achievable results for a cleaner, healthier environment for Canadians through environmentally responsible agriculture practices.

"Our programs always put farmers first to make sure the farm gate is economically and environmentally sustainable" said Minister Ritz. "Our Government's commitment to environmentally responsible agriculture means a healthier rural Canada, a more prosperous agriculture sector and safer food for Canadians".

"Helping farmers use available natural resources in a sustainable way and ensuring they are able to adapt to changing environmental conditions is a top priority for this Government," said Minister Blackburn. "We are delivering programs to enhance the sector's environmental performance, while increasing opportunities for farmers."

Funding will support initiatives to help farmers transfer research and knowledge into practice and to use science to improve their outcomes. Technical assistance to farmers on land use and planning will be available, as well as information tools and data to help farmers achieve even greater results for the environment.

The environmental elements of Growing Forward will focus on the development and assessment of new agri-environmental knowledge, programs and initiatives. This approach will allow farmers to address key environmental challenges including agriculture's impact on water quality and water use, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and the exploration of new economic opportunities for farmers that encourage additional environmental action.

Growing Forward is a national agriculture framework to coordinate federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture policy. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are delivering $1.3 billion for farm families over five years. The Federal government is also committing an additional $1.05 billion in federal only funding under the Growing Forward framework.

For a complete list of Growing Forward programs visit www.agr.gc.ca/GrowingForward.