A new federal-provincial partnership will mean more support for New Brunswick’s agriculture sector.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will make $8.5 million available annually, a 25 per cent increase for the province’s producers.

The cost-shared suite of programs is aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture sector.

Agriculture Minister Margaret Johnson says the partnership will help New Brunswick’s agriculture sector meet future challenges and build on a successful 2022.

“The sector contributes significantly to the provincial economy and employs thousands of New Brunswickers,” Johnson said in a statement.

“The men and women who work in the sector are proud of what they deliver to our tables and we are proud to support them.”

New Brunswick’s agriculture sector had a record $1.3 billion in revenues in 2022. The province also had a record $689 million in agri-food exports.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3.5-billion, five-year agreement, according to a provincial government news release.

It includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.