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By Alice McFarlane

COVID-19

$252 million for agriculture and agri-food sector

May 5, 2020 | 10:15 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a $252-million aid package for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries to help deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are three parts to the announcement. The first is worth $77 million to keep workers in food processing safe with protective equipment and implementing physical distancing in workplaces.

The second part deals with managing livestock with money for beef and pork producers holding animals they can’t sell.

The final component will be a $50 million fund to buy food that spoils and send it to groups such as food banks.

Canadian Federation of Agriculture has asked for $2.6 billion in assistance.

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Trudeau said there could be more to come.

“This is an initial announcement. More will need to be done as needs increase. This is money we’re sending out immediately and we’ll work with them to address other needs,” Trudeau said.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF