Renewal

Note: At their meeting in Toronto on November 16 and 17, 2007, Ministers of Agriculture from federal, provincial and territorial governments agreed to continue existing programs under the current Agriculture Policy Framework (APF) for up to one additional year, starting April 1, 2008. Governments have committed to providing the sector with sufficient notice of any program changes to ensure smooth transition. For more information please visit the Growing Forward web site.

To facilitate a smooth transition from APF to Growing Forward, APF programs will continue until new programs are ready to launch.

Renewal programs and initiatives are intended to provide producers with access to information, skills, knowledge, and advisory services in farm business management. Assistance is available to help you:

• Assess your farm
• Develop an action plan
• Develop a succession, marketing, business or other specialized plan
• Take training to expand your skills
• Determine the feasibility of value-added opportunities on your farm

Other tools and information are also available to help you manage your farm. Benchmarking for success is a free interactive web tool to help you compare your operation against farms of similar size, commodity and region. Information on benchmarking, best management practices and other topics are also available.

Further information on Renewal programs is also available by calling 1-866-452-5558.

The Farm Debt Mediation Service, accessed through the Agri-Renewal offices, provides insolvent farmers and their creditors with mediation services. This is a confidential and economic alternative to resolving insolvency disputes in the courts.