Agricultural Policy Framework-Key Messages

							Agricultural Policy Framework-Key Messages
  The Agriculture Policy Framework (APF) will provide Alberta producers
   with long-term solutions to maintain the viability of our agriculture
   industry.
  The concept was agreed to at the 2001 annual meeting of Ministers held in
   Whitehorse, Yukon. The federal government and a majority of provinces
   signed the umbrella Agriculture Policy Framework Agreement at the June
   2002 annual meeting of Ministers held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  The APF has a comprehensive and integrated approach to national
   agriculture policy development.
  It focuses on five chapters: food safety, environmental performance,
   renewal of the industry, focused scientific research spending and safety
   nets. All five chapters are areas that are all vital to the long-term viability
   and sustainability of our industry.
  The framework agreement outlines common goals, objectives and criteria
   for future programming as well as cost-sharing arrangements.
  Bilateral agreements have been negotiated for all five chapters of the APF
   and Alberta has already begun moving forward on many of the non-
   business risk management chapters of the APF.
  The new, enhanced Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) program has
   been finalized.
  However, due to the original NISA agreement, the federal government
   requires two-thirds of provinces or territories that are signatories to the
   original agreement and more than 50 per cent of the eligible net sales in
   order to dissolve the original NISA agreement.
  Over the coming months, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural
   Development and AFSC officials will be offering information sessions
   across Alberta to explain the new NISA program to producers.
  We will continue to work with the federal government and other provinces
   while ensuring that the interests of Alberta farmers, and all Albertans, are
   reflected and protected in a new Agricultural Policy Framework
   Agreement.