(farmnewsNOW file photo)

By Brody Langager

fifth annual

“Forks Up For Canadian Agriculture” on Canada’s Agriculture Day

Feb 23, 2021 | 9:39 AM

Today is Canada’s Agriculture Day, a day to bring together and celebrate people involved in agriculture, food and agribusiness industries.

“Today, let’s celebrate our local producers and all those who work hard to keep our grocery stores stocked with quality Canadian food,” says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of agriculture and agri-food.

“Farmers and all food sector workers in Canada have succeeded despite the many challenges posed by COVID-19. Just as we commend the healthcare workers for their heroic efforts, I encourage everyone to show their support and appreciation for our local producers as well.”

This year, the fifth annual event is focusing on building the relationship between producers and consumers under the theme “Forks Up For Canadian Agriculture.”

Bibeau says, “Our farmers care deeply about their land and their animals and are very proud of what they do. Agriculture creates millions of jobs in Canada and is a powerful driver of the economy and a vital part of our rural communities. Agriculture provides dynamic and rewarding careers for our young people, including jobs in science and other technologically advanced fields. On Canada’s Agriculture Day, we say thank you!”

For non-emergency incidents

Lacombe Police Service launches online reporting system

6h ago

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Monica Andrew nominated for CCSSA Excellence in Catholic Education Award

7h ago

Central Alberta businesses

Red Deer District Chamber, RDP, and Central Alberta First partner to address labour market challenges

9h ago

In the lead-up to the event, Minister Bibeau joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a virtual farm tour with Kelly Smith-Fraser, owner of Nuhaven Cattle Company near Pine Lake.

According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, one in eight jobs in Canada are tied to the agricultural sector.

Canadian agri-food and seafood exports increased by 10% from January to December 2020, almost reaching $74 billion.

Devin Dreeshen, Alberta’s minister for agriculture and forestry, released the following statement for Canada’s Agriculture Day:

“Feb. 23 is Canada’s Agriculture Day, so let’s celebrate and recognize the hard work of Alberta farmers and ranchers across the province. What they do every day puts food on the table for families around the world.

“Each year is challenging for agriculture in Alberta with our harsh winters, unpredictable summers and volatile commodity prices forcing everyone in the industry to adapt and innovate.

“Research into new ways to plant crops, raise livestock and move products has always been critical to over a century of successful family farms and ranches. That is why Alberta’s government is investing $370 million over the next decade to fund research through Results Driven Agriculture Research, or RDAR, to ensure farmers and ranchers direct research priorities.

“The agriculture sector in Alberta is well on its way to achieving a $1.4-billion private sector investment target in value-added food production – so far reaching $527 million and more than 981 new jobs.

“2020 was a great year for most in agriculture with bumper high-quality crops, strong commodity prices and record exports. There’s a good outlook for 2021 as well, with strong global prices and demand.

“Work is underway to create new irrigation reservoirs and hundreds of kilometres of pipelines to replace open-air water canals. This is from a historic $815-million irrigation deal with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Government of Alberta and eight local irrigation districts.

“Like in agriculture, the work never stops and neither does Alberta’s government in trying to find ways to promote agriculture and support economic growth. However, on Canada’s Agriculture Day, I hope everyone takes the time to ‘thank a farmer’ and appreciate the hard work and determination of everyone in our world-leading agriculture sector.”