We live in a country rich in resources, beauty, and we boast food quality and quantity second to none.

Since being first elected in 2006, the Conservative government has stood shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of Canada. We helped livestock producers weather the BSE crisis and hay shortages, and we’ve assisted crop farmers with droughts and floods. We’ve established and enhanced programs and agreements with our provincial partners to provide aid in the face of disaster, and we’ve adapted to ever-changing situations.

When Growing Forward 2, the new agriculture policy framework, was signed by federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and the provincial agriculture ministers in September, it brought with it a change to the way government agriculture programs work. Instead of a “one size fits all” mentality, the new framework will allow different regions and provinces the flexibility to adapt programs to best suit their farmers.

Our governments will continue to be there for farmers in cases of significant drops in income and disaster situations. At the same time, we’re refocusing investments on innovation in order to fuel long-term growth across the sector and economic prosperity for all Canadians.

Growing Forward 2 includes an investment of over $3 billion, representing a 50 per cent increase in cost-shared investments in innovation, competitiveness and market development.

Growing Forward 2 takes effect on April 1, 2013, and will be our agriculture framework for the next five years. During that time, the federal and provincial governments will monitor the Business Risk Management (BRM) programs.

Modifications made to AgriStability and AgriInvest in Growing Forward 2 will ensure that Canadian producers continue to have access to a strong and effective suite of BRM programs. AgriInsurance (crop insurance), AgriRecovery, and the Advanced Payment Program will continue to help farmers manage production risks and provide cash flow assistance. Governments will boost coverage for those with negative margins as well as substantially increase farmers' ability to contribute greater funds into their AgriInvest account.

Our government remains committed to keeping the Canadian economy on the right track, and that includes an agriculture industry that sees growth, creates jobs and has long-term prosperity.

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The audio version of Garry's Oct. 8, 2012 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here