In Tuesday’s federal budget, Ottawa topped up the $5.2-billion, six-year commitment for agriculture it reached with the provinces in June 2002.

To ensure that farmers, particularly in Western Canada, can continue to rely on the Crop Reinsurance Fund, the budget will advance $220 million in the current fiscal year ending March 31 to cover an existing deficit.

Ottawa is also coming up with $20 million over two years to supplement Farm Credit Canada investments in farm innovation.

Other measures relating to agriculture include:

  • $100 million for the Canada Food Inspection Agency over the next two years to help it maintain food safety.
  • $113 million in this fiscal year for Canada’s four veterinary colleges for infrastructure payments.
  • $30 million over two years for the Canadian Grain Commission.