Minister Bibeau Highlights Government Support for Women in Agriculture

Diversity and inclusion are integral to creating an economy that works for everyone. The full and equal participation of women in Canada’s agriculture and food system will ensure the sector remains an engine of economic growth, contributing to the sector’s competitiveness and prosperity

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau spoke at the Advancing Women in Agriculture West 2019 conference in Calgary, highlighting the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive economy and supporting women in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

The Minister also announced Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) new Women Entrepreneur Program to support women entrepreneurs involved in the agriculture and agri-food sector by providing the capital they need to grow their business, along with the meaningful skill development opportunities they are seeking. The program includes access to capital through the Women Entrepreneur Loan, enhanced learning events, partnerships with other groups, and delivery of online content to support their needs.

“Women face unique barriers along the business cycle and as a result, only 16% of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are led by women”

 

“Our government recognizes and supports the important contributions made by women in the continued growth of the agriculture and food sector,” Bibeau stated. “By providing women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed as leaders in Canadian agriculture, we are supporting a competitive industry that helps grow the economy, supports our rural communities and creates good middle class jobs.”

FCC has committed $500 million over three years for the Women Entrepreneur Loan. As part of the loan, borrowers can have a portion of their fees waived and are encouraged to reinvest these savings into both personal and professional development that best suits their individual and business needs.

“Women face unique barriers along the business cycle and as a result, only 16% of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are led by women, added Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. “We know that advancing women’s economic empowerment across all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, is not just the right thing to do, it’s good for the bottom line. That’s why our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took real action with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy because when women succeed, we all succeed.”

FCC’s Women Entrepreneur Program is part of a commitment made under the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, a $2-billion investment that seeks to double the number of women-owned and women-led businesses by 2025.

“Based on consultations with women leading agriculture and agri-food organizations across Canada, we are taking a holistic approach to support their needs,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “This is a program and not just a loan product. We’re combining access to capital with networking and knowledge, which is what women told us was needed to really make a difference in the industry.”

The announcement is part of Minister Bibeau’s first agricultural tour, where she is meeting with farmers, processors and industry leaders.