Supporting Local Farmers Through Budget 2023

March 29, 2023

agMP Longfield with Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Charlotte Yates, President of the University of Guelph

 

It's great to see the discussions we've been having in Guelph around agriculture reflected in this year's budget! I've been working with community partners such as the University of Guelph and local farm organizations to support farmers while promoting sustainable agriculture and spurring innovation. Here are some highlights from the 2023 budget that will help farmers thrive:

Food and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank

  • $57.5 million over five years, starting in 2023-24 and $5.6 million ongoing.
  • The Federal Government will seek cost-sharing agreements with provinces.

Advance Payment Program

  • $13 million in 2023-24 to increase interest-free limit to 350k for 2023 program year.
  • Government to consult with PTs on additional measures to support small producers in urgent financial need.

Dairy Innovation and Investment Program

  • $333 million over ten years.
  • Support investments in R&D, market development, and processing capacity.

Fertilizer Reimbursement

  • $34.1 million over three years starting in 23-24 to top-up OFCAF delivery partners in eastern Canada.

Local Food Infrastructure Fund

  • $10 million for 2023-24.

Excise Tax increase relief on alcoholic products

  • Will be capped at 2% for one year. 

Grocery rebate

  • One-time payment through GST tax credit will provide up to $467 for a couple with two children.

 Supply chains

  • $165.4 million over seven years starting in 2023-24 for Green Shipping Corridor program.

Fresh Water

  • $85.1 million over five years and $21 million ongoing to create Canada Water Agency. Headquartered in Winnipeg.
  • $650 million for monitoring, assessment and restoration of lakes and waterways.
  • $22.6 million over three years starting in 23-24 for coordination of freshwater activities.

Credit Card Fees

  • Agreements secured with Visa and Mastercard to reduce interchange fees on small businesses. Details to come.

Right to repair

  • Framework to be introduced in 2024. Includes interoperability of farming equipment.
  • Consultations to be launched this summer.

Official languages

  • $373.7 million over five years to increase francophone immigration and economic development

Census of Agriculture

  • $57 million over five years

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

  • $126 million over five years for market access and food safety.

 

 For more information about the 2023 budget, please see: Budget 2023 — A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future