A big financial boost has been announced for the Canadian food sector.
It is a $252 million investment that will help farmers and food processors and make sure no food goes to waste during the pandemic.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says $77 million of it will go to food processors.
“This is money that they can use to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, adapt to health protocols and support other social distancing measures,” said Trudeau. “It will also help expand or adapt our processing capacity to increase the amount of Canadian products we make domestically.”
Another $125 million will come via an Agri-Recovery initiative. This money will help Canadian beef and pork producers so they can adapt to the crisis. There will also be a credit line improvement for dairy producers.
And, a $50 million surplus food purchase program will see the Federal government buy foods that could go to waste and then redistribute them to our most vulnerable populations.
The announcements came as the Canadian Federation of Agriculture warned that more aid was needed to avoid food shortages in Canada.
Farmers, ranchers, food producers, and food processors are working around the clock to make sure you and your family have the food you need to stay healthy – and I’m announcing more support for them today. Tune in now for more info: https://t.co/javntk5GQv
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 5, 2020
Food is an essential service. Find out how you can step up to the plate
and join our #CdnAgHeroes in providing healthy and affordable food for Canadians. https://t.co/0vjwyrGE39 #COVID19 #CdnAg #CdnFood pic.twitter.com/lyf4j8sWJX
— AAFC Canada (@AAFC_Canada) May 4, 2020
To watch Justin Trudeau’s full May 5th address, see below
