Against a backdrop of U.S. tariffs threats, the Government of Canada and the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Department of Agriculture are redirecting $500,000 into existing programs that support farmers and agri-businesses in finding new markets and foster innovation.  

Through existing Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) programming, the federal and provincial governments are redirecting cost-shared funding into the following programs to further benefit producers:

-    The Product and Market Development Program;

-    The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative; and

-    The Business Development Program

“As our local agriculture industry continues to deal with senseless international trade decisions from the current U.S administration, we need to be here to support our farmers and operators as they navigate through ongoing uncertainty. We recognize and understand that this is a very fluid situation, and we will continue to work with our agriculture industry, as we always have, to make sure supports are available,” said the PEI’s Bloyce Thompson, deputy premier and minister of agriculture. 

In addition to the increased investments through existing Sustainable CAP programs, the PEI Department of Agriculture will be working with the PEI Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade to further support agricultural initiatives applying to trade and new market programs offered through Innovation PEI.

“We’re working closely with the provinces, territories, and folks from right across the sector to support our producers in the face of this trade uncertainty. With funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we’re helping our hardworking Island farmers weather this storm so they can keep producing their top-quality products,” concluded Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

Source: Prince Edward Island March 11, 2025 news release