Money allocated for farmers

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VICTORIA?Spring was a week old and the planting season started in British Columbia when the First Nations Agricultural Lending Association (FNALA), which provides financing to Aboriginal agricultural producers, and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia (IAF) signed an agreement to inject a half million dollars into First Nations' farming and food processing businesses.

The fund is called the Aboriginal Agriculture Initiative, and it will be administered by the FNALA.

The initiative, announced March 27, is a shared funding scheme that is to be used for agricultural or food processing projects benefiting First Nations.

It does not provide business or capital financing, but is meant to complement four other loan programs that the FNALA administers.

The broader aim of the Aboriginal Agriculture Initiative is to increase awareness and involvement in agricultural and food processing work by First Nations, as well as to make better use of the bands' agricultural lands.

Under this new initiative, applicants will have their projects assessed by an advisory committee made up of representatives from First Nations, banks and the Aboriginal Agriculture Association.

"Through this initiative, Aboriginal people will be achieving self-sufficiency through participation in viable and diverse agri-food opportunities," said Archie Deneault of the Skeetchestn Indian Band. Deneault is chairman of the Aboriginal Agriculture Initiative.

The initiative is funded through the Agri-Food Futures Fund, one of 14 initiatives managed by the IAF through the fund. The IAF approved both the strategic plan and work plan prepared by the Aboriginal Agriculture Initiative Steering Committee, and handed over a $62,500 advance in the $500,000 agreement.

Several criteria determine who will be able to access money the money.

Applicants must demonstrate that their plans involve a community-led decision-making process; project funding is for a limited period and applicants must contribute a share; projects should have the capacity to become self-sufficient; benefits must exceed costs; and projects must fit the criteria for the approved strategy and plan.

The steering committee comprises eight First Nations across the province and includes experts in finance, land management and land use planning, farm and ranch operation, education and training programs and employing youth. In addition to the eight Aboriginal representataives, there are three interim members who can contribute advice and knowledge.

Steering committee members will also sit on the advisory committee that supports the strategy and will have input into funding project proposals.

The IAF is an industry-led organization funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Its mandate is to help the province's agri-food industries and rural communities adapt, diversify and grow.

"This initiative will facilitate sustainable growth and development of agriculture opportunities for Aboriginal communities while maintaining the environmental stewardship traditionally practised by Aboriginal peoples," said Walter Goerzen, vice chairman of the IAF.

Stan Hagen, minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, agreed.

"Today's agreement is the results of governments working in partnership with industry to create a strong future for the B.C. agri-food industry and our heartlands communities," he said.

Information on the initiative and other FNALA loan programs can be found online at www.fnala.com.