For release: March 16, 2004

NEW FARM PLANNING SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE IN ONTARIO

TORONTO, March 16, 2004 – Agricultural producers in Ontario now have access to two new programs designed to help them improve their businesses.

Under the Specialized Business Planning Services (SBPS), producers are eligible for assistance with business and marketing planning. The Planning and Assessment for Value-added Enterprises program (PAVE) is available to qualified producers who are considering establishing or expanding a value-added enterprise.

“The federal government is working to ensure all Canadian producers have the right mix of tools to direct the growth and competitiveness of their businesses,” said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Bob Speller. “With Ontario, Canada is responding to producers’ clearly expressed needs and is offering these new programs as assurance our agriculture sector remains the world’s best on all counts.”

“Agriculture is becoming increasingly knowledge-intensive, and farmers need tools like these to succeed in the global economy,” said Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food. “These new programs will improve Ontario’s economic prosperity by helping our farmers assess new business opportunities and fine-tune their plans before they invest capital and move forward.”

“The PAVE program comes from the combined efforts of governments and stakeholders to ensure producers become more competitive and add value to their businesses,” said Mark Eyking, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “The initiative will strengthen Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector by encouraging sound planning and decision making.”
The two programs are part of the renewal element of the Agricultural Policy Framework implementation agreement signed by Ontario and the Government of Canada in December, 2003.

Under PAVE, eligible producers will be able to access funds to help pay for the services of a business-planning professional to develop feasibility assessments and/or comprehensive business plans for specific, value-added enterprises. This planning will make it easier for producers to make informed decisions about their ventures.

The SBPS helps producers prepare detailed plans for their farm operations and provides funding to help pay for consultants. These plans can cover areas such as diversification, marketing, human resources, expansion, risk management or succession. These services will be available to producers who are seeking targeted business or succession plans.

There is significant funding available under both programs. Eligible participants under PAVE may receive funding of up to 50 per cent of the consultant’s eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 per farmer. Group applications may also be considered for funding to a maximum of $25,000. Eligible participants under SBPS may receive funding of up to 50 per cent of the consultant’s eligible costs for preparing a business or succession plan up to a maximum of $8,000 per farmer.

Producers are eligible for PAVE and SBPS if they are engaged in agricultural production and have a minimum of $10,000 in annual gross farm sales. Those who intend to establish a farm business or are owners/operators of a new farm business may also be eligible if they can demonstrate they will have $10,000 in annual gross farm sales.

For applications and information on the PAVE and SBPS programs, producers can apply and obtain more details by calling 1-866-452-5558 or online at www.omaf.gov.on.ca .

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For more information, media may contact:

Carla Ventin
Press Secretary
Minister Speller’s Office
(613) 759-1346

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972

Mary Devorski
Office of Minister Peters
(416) 326-3077