The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced that they are investing in the revitalization of traditional food systems under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“Funding for agricultural projects led by Indigenous Peoples is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient food system,” said federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “By continuing to diversify and include traditional food systems, we can help to address food security for folks right across the country and build an even stronger sector.”

The program is aimed at increasing food security, training and resource development, and expanding Indigenous participation in Manitoba’s growing agriculture and agri-food sectors.

This year, 26 projects have been funded, totaling $1.52 million, and applications are now open for next year’s funding.

“Agriculture and food production are important drivers of economic growth in our province, and we’re working with Indigenous communities so they can see those benefits,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “We’re supporting communities to bring back and expand traditional ways of growing food and address food insecurity, and we’re working with them to train workers and grow businesses in the agriculture sector.”

The 26 projects funded through Sustainable CAP include:

  • Long Plain First Nation Community Wellness’ Hunting and Gathering, Foraging and Processing Project will enhance current community food systems through the development of new food harvesting and preservation processes to ensure that food is properly preserved and available for consumption throughout the year.
  • Arctic Buying Company Kivalliq Inc.’s Niriqatiginnga, a northern food systems innovation project, will address issues of food insecurity with northern Indigenous communities through a collaborative approach, engaging farmers, food producers and system innovators on ways to create an approach where northern and Indigenous communities, youth and elders are actively involved in addressing and enhancing northern food systems.
  • Aki Foods will purchase equipment to enhance crop productivity and the quality of harvested goods including grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, poultry and eggs.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments that strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

The Sustainable CAP Indigenous Agriculture and Relationship Development program will accept applications until July.

For more information on the Indigenous Agriculture and Relationship Development Program and to apply for funding, visit manitoba.ca.