This week in Winnipeg, federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz and Manitoba agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn officially launched Growing Forward 2 agricultural programs in Manitoba.

Federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz says, all tolled, federal, provincial and territorial governments will be investing some three billion dollars under Growing Forward 2 over the next five years in strategic initiatives built around innovation, market development and competitiveness.

Minister Ritz said: "With the new framework we are moving away from the reactive and towards more proactive solutions that will build a strong industry for the mid and long term.

Gerry Ritz -Canada Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"I'm pleased to join with minister Kostyshyn in launching the new five year Growing Forward 2 agreement between the government of Canada and the government of Manitoba.

"Under this agreement our governments will invest over 175 million dollars through to 2018 in strategic proactive initiatives that will advance the industry here in Manitoba, across Canada and around the world.

"At the same time, under Growing Forward 2 governments will continue to offer ongoing funding for a complete and effective suite of business risk management programs to ensure farmers are protected against severe market volatility and natural disasters.

"Complimenting these federal provincial investments are federal only programs under GF-2 for three key initiatives, agri-innovation, agri-marketing and agri-competitiveness.

"Together they will direct a billion dollars over the next five years to partner with producers and processors to break down barriers and expand market access, respond to growing consumer demands for food safety and traceability and develop and commercialize new products and technologies."

Minister Ritz says funding for the majority of science clusters will continue.

He says these programs have been very successful and will be enhanced under Growing Forward 2 however, with markets in better shape, industry will be asked to put a little more skin in the game.