1.2.1.1

Description: 
Implementing the Agriculture Strategy.
Lead Dept: 
ITI
Priority: 
1.2
Parent Commitment: 
1.2.1
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Economy and Environment
Number: 
1
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Economy and Environment
Background Information: 

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.2.1

We will expand the agricultural sector by:

  • Implementing the Agriculture Strategy

Agriculture Strategy

The need for an agriculture strategy to advance economic opportunities in the agriculture sector was first identified in the Economic Opportunities Strategy (EOS).

In developing an Agriculture Strategy, input was received from agricultural experts, producers, businesses, community organizations and residents.

The Agriculture Strategy is a five year plan that provides a foundation to guide the expansion and growth of the business of food in the NWT.  It is the blueprint with which we intend to grow the economic viability of our agriculture sector.  It outlines the actions we must take, the investments we must make and the legislative tools that need to be put in place.  Over time, the implementation of this Strategy will support and advance commitments that we have made to address the cost-of-living, foster healthy families and enhance capacity-building programs for our youth.

The Agriculture Strategy was released in March 2017 (milestone 2).  The Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI) leads the implementation of the Strategy and is working in particular with the Departments of Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, Health and Social Services and external partners to advance the Agriculture Strategy (milestones 3 and 4).

Since fall 2016, ITI has led an Interdepartmental Agriculture Working Group to initiate various activities within the Strategy’s Action Plan.

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 1.1.13 – We will support small communities by enhancing job-creation programs, building community capacity and supporting new economic opportunities, by:
    • Implementing the Economic Opportunities Strategy
  • Commitment 2.5.5 - We will implement programs that support youth in their communities and in their schools to encourage local food production and consumption.
  • Commitment 4.3.5 - We will reduce the burden of chronic disease by promoting healthy lifestyles and improving screening and management, with specific focus on:
    • Expanding the production and availability of local foods such as fish, country food, and garden produce.