The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, met with Woodstock First Nation Chief Tim Paul and community members, where he highlighted a federal investment of up to $62,124 for Woodstock First Nation under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF).
This investment will allow Woodstock First Nation to purchase a tractor, acquire greenhouse equipment, install an irrigation system, and implement cold storage and a cleaning station. As a result, Woodstock First Nation will be able to increase their food production, which will improve access to nutritious, locally grown food for the community. This project is in addition to new garden space and 3 greenhouses to increase food availability for Woodstock First Nation, made possible by a previous investment of $41,074 under the third phase of LFIF.
LFIF is a key component of the first-ever Food Policy for Canada and central to efforts to build a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. That is why Budget 2024 included a commitment of $62.9 million over 3 years, starting in 2024-2025, for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to renew and expand LFIF and invest in local food infrastructure. New intake details and dates will be announced soon.
"I'm always pleased to see the results of our Local Food Infrastructure Fund in action. As we continue our efforts to stabilize food prices and make life more affordable for families, our investments through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund will help put more healthy, local food on tables here in New Brunswick and right across the country," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Food security for Indigenous communities is a top priority for our Government. Through this partnership, Woodstock First Nation will continue through self determination to support their members and offer a brighter, healthier future for the next generation,"said Jenica Atwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Fredericton
"With the invaluable support of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF), Woodstock First Nation has substantially expanded its capacity to distribute nutritious food to our community. As longstanding stewards of the land, we profoundly recognize the urgent need to address food security comprehensively. By bolstering our distribution capabilities, we aim to create a lasting legacy for generations to come. A holistic approach to food security encompasses not only providing access to healthy diet, but also promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering community involvement," said Woodstock First Nation Chief and Council.
Source: canada.ca