$1.1 billion in budget for Agriculture and Forestry
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CALGARY – The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is expected to spend $1.1 billion this fiscal year, according to the provincial budget.
The ministry’s budget includes $476 million for crop, hail and livestock insurance, and another $122 million for agriculture income support programs.
The province has also set aside $199 million for forestry programs, including an increase to the FireSmart program, which funds wildfire prevention and management. In addition, the province’s capital plan has set aside $125 over three years to renovate and modernize the Provincial Operation Centre, used during emergency situations, such as last year’s wildfires near Fort McMurray and the 2013 floods. The funding for the centre begins in 2018-19.
The budget also has $135 million to support the province’s efforts to expand into new markets for agriculture products. The province has also set aside $42 million for animal health and food safety.
