The Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) are introducing new funding initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s cattle and livestock sectors. As part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), these initiatives include the Grow the Herd Pilot Program and the appointment of a PEI Livestock Champion, both designed to enhance growth, sustainability, and market opportunities for Island producers.
New Funding Opportunities for PEI Farmers
The Grow the Herd Pilot Program will provide targeted financial support through two funding streams:
- Heifer or Cow Retention / Purchase Incentive: Farmers can receive funding for retaining heifers or acquiring bred heifers, bred cows, or cow-calf pairs to expand their herds.
- PEI Certified Beef Brand Incentive: Feedlot and cow-calf producers can access additional funding for increasing the availability of cattle that qualify under the PEI Certified Beef marketing brand, supporting the province’s premium beef industry.
Additionally, the newly established PEI Livestock Champion role, developed in partnership with the PEI Cattle Producers and Atlantic Beef Products, will provide leadership, guidance, and strategic direction to livestock producers. This initiative aims to complement existing programs by helping producers create growth plans tailored to their individual farm operations.
Strengthening PEI’s Livestock Industry
These initiatives align with PEI’s Livestock Strategy, which seeks to enhance the quality of livestock products available in local markets while expanding opportunities for new market development. Government officials emphasize that these investments will not only strengthen PEI’s agriculture sector but also contribute to the broader Island economy.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay highlighted the importance of PEI’s farmers in maintaining a world-class livestock industry and ensuring the continued supply of high-quality agricultural products to Canadians.
PEI Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture Bloyce Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the new investments, emphasizing their role in increasing the province’s cattle inventory and helping producers plan for sustainable, long-term growth.
About Sustainable CAP
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative aimed at strengthening Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. The program includes $1 billion in federal investments and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs, with 60% federal and 40% provincial/territorial funding. These programs, designed and delivered by individual provinces and territories, focus on enhancing competitiveness, innovation, and resilience in Canadian agriculture.
For more details on the Grow the Herd Pilot Program and other funding opportunities, producers can visit the PEI Department of Agriculture website.
