Re: Don’t put ag research on chopping block: Food processing is an economic bright spot and the future needs us to stay in the game” published in the Advocate on June 18, by David Crane
I would like to respond to David Crane’s June 18 column.
For 125 years, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has played a significant leadership role in agriculture and agri-food research. We have been working in close collaboration with farmers, industry and the wider research community to develop new products, practices and processes for new and value-added markets. This has helped ensure the profitability and competitiveness of Canada’s agricultural and agri-food sector. A significant portion of all agricultural research in Canada is conducted by AAFC scientists, working on a full range of projects spanning innovations in crop varieties and yields to resistance to pests and disease.
But as the challenges and opportunities facing industry are evolving so does the way we do science in Canada and world-wide. We are taking the lead on bringing together the best scientific minds in government, academia and industry to work together and focus on creating a more resilient and innovative agricultural sector. This new way of conducting science maximizes our collective resources and expertise and ensures a strong focus on sector priorities and scientific opportunities of the future. To further make sure that the sector remains at the forefront of science, AAFC has hired 36 new scientists over the last year.
To reinforce our support for the collaborative and coordinated approach to research the government has committed $50 million over two years to the new Agricultural Innovation Initiative. In addition, $336 million over five years is committed to new science and innovation programs under the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Growing Forward agreement, more than under any previous agreement. These programs bring together close to 200 partners from industry, universities and organizations from across sectors to address industry priorities and achieve results for Canadian agriculture.
Innovation initiatives such as the Canadian Agri-Science Clusters and the Developing Innovative Agri-Products continue to break new ground for large-scale collaborations with research partners in universities, governments and the private sector.
Clearly, there is agreement that science and innovation has always been and will continue to be part of the solution to agriculture and food challenges. The Government of Canada will continue to work with our partners to build on the collaborative model being established in the sector today.
Jody Aylard
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Research Branch
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa