Joint federal-territorial funding to help develop the agricultural sector in the NWT was formally announced in Hay River on May 18.

The money is in a new federal-territorial agreement under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod joined Wally Schumann, the NWT's minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, to formalize the agreement at the grading station of Polar Egg SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½“ the NWT's most successful commercial agricultural business.

Approximately $5.6 million over five years will be directly invested into the NWT agricultural sector under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

"Under our joint agreement, the Northwest Territories will have the flexibility to make the right investments to help grow our economy, our agriculture and our agri-food sector," said McLeod. "Cost-shared strategic investments under the partnership will focus on encouraging greater innovation, efficiency and entrepreneurship."

The MP noted that food security is the theme of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

"Agriculture is a growing industry here in the land of the midnight sun, and it's amazing that our farmers can accomplish quite a bit in this intense and condensed growing season we have here in the Northwest Territories," he said, noting that everything from potatoes to honey to watermelons are produced in the North.

The funding will support initiatives and investments aimed at encouraging the development of a commercially-viable food production and processing sector, and advancing greater self-sufficiency and food production in the NWT's remote communities.

For every $1 invested by the GNWT, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will contribute $1.50 to the same investments.

"This agreement will help the agriculture and food industry here in the Northwest Territories to continue to innovate, grow and prosper," said McLeod.

Schumann also welcomed the new agreement, noting it is an exciting time for NWT producers and growers.

"We are making a transition from small-scale gardening to commercial enterprises," he said.

The NWT is home to roughly 40 commercial food growers, producers and agricultural businesses.

"Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement, we further enhance what is possible in the Northwest Territories," said Schumann. "The key resources are in place. We have keen, interested participants, strong community support and market demand for northern-produced goods."

The announcement was hosted by Kevin Wallington, the sales manager of Polar Egg, and he also welcomed the new funding.

"From a producer's standpoint, partnership is key," he said. "Today we see a continued and important partnership between our federal and territorial governments realized here with this announcement on funding."

Wallington added that producers and food advocates appreciate the commitment from government.

Aligned with the NWT Agriculture Strategy introduced last year, the partnership will support emerging food growers and processors, and encourage greater participation and entrepreneurial interest in the agricultural sector.

Specific programming will invest in research, innovation, sustainability, capacity building, trade, processing, public awareness, and youth involvement to ensure the sector continues to evolve.

Nationally, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion cost-shared investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments.

At the May 18 event, McLeod also announced over $80,000 in federal funding for a pilot project at Choice North Farms in Hay River.

The pilot project will integrate hydroponic units and poultry production in a small geodesic dome. It will reduce the amount of nutrition and energy required for production, while providing fresh produce and meat substitutes.

McLeod said that, if the pilot project is successful, the technology can be adapted to other NWT communities.