Feb. 3, 2010, New London, P.E.I. — The
federal and Prince Edward Island governments are partnering to help farmers
reduce energy costs and generate new income opportunities through renewable
fuels.
Feb. 3, 2010, New London, P.E.I. — The
federal and Prince Edward Island governments are partnering to help farmers
reduce energy costs and generate new income opportunities through renewable
fuels.
This investment of $9.9 million will
support two projects that will help to improve farmers’ profitability, improve
environmental sustainability of Canadian agriculture and help drive the
Canadian economy.
“Farmers have always been good
stewards of the land and they know that investing in the environment is key to
their future success,” said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea. “Canada’s
Economic Action Plan is boosting our economic recovery by helping farmers find
new markets, adapt to current economic challenges and make their businesses
more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.”
The federal investment under the
AgriFlexibility fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, totals $5.9
million for two new projects:
• $4.2 million for the Renewable
Energy Initiative, that will audit and promote the use of agriculture-based
renewable energy sources and equipment.
• $1.7 million for the BioEconomy
Crop Initiative, that will evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of
crops such as fall rye, perennial grasses and hybrid willows to plant and
harvest for energy generation.
“Energy represents a significant
cost for producers, and we are pleased to partner with the federal government
and the industry to help address this issue,” said Prince Edward Island
Agriculture Minister George Webster. “Through these new initiatives, producers
will be able to reduce their costs, develop new markets and benefit the
environment. This initiative is part of the provincial government’s Rural
Action Plan which supports new and innovative energy projects to improve the
competitiveness of the agriculture industry.”
The province is investing $2.8
million in the Renewable Energy Initiative and $1.2 million in the BioEconomy
Crop Initiative. Funding is
subject to the projects meeting all eligibility requirements and the signing of
contribution agreements. Canada’s Economic Action Plan will remain focused on
strengthening the economy, while working towards returning to balanced budgets
and securing Canada’s economic future.
For more information on Canada’s
Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. For more information on Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) programs, visit www.agr.gc.ca.
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