Government of Canada to Strengthen Environmental Research in Agriculture

News Release

December 2, 2016 – Frelighsburg, Québec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay today announced that the Government of Canada will be expanding its research efforts to better protect and manage Canada's water and soil resources, and strengthen the agriculture sector's ability to adapt to climate change by reopening the Frelighsburg Experimental Farm.

Research at Agriculture and Agri-Food's Frelighsburg Experimental Farm – a satellite site of the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre will be done in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including governments, universities, growers and grower associations.

Technologies and methods developed from this research will help producers across the country continue to farm in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Quick facts

  • The Frelighsburg Experimental Farm will be home to world-class research that will focus on the development of new, clean technologies to help protect Canada`s water and soil resources.
  • Researchers will develop new techniques and tools in active biovigilance, precision farming and crop management.
  • Researchers will collect information on fruit varieties that are able to withstand extreme and unusual temperature fluctuations, in order to help increase crops resiliency to climate change.
  • The Frelighsburg Experimental Farm is scheduled to open in the spring of 2017.

Quotes

“Science is a powerful tool for environmental action on Canadian farms. This research in Frelighsburg will help our farmers increase production to feed a growing population, while protecting our environment – a win for farmers and Canadians.”

- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“It is great that Frelighsburg Experimental Farm will once again be home to innovative research that will help the Government of Canada advance its ambitious goals to spur innovation; protect the environment, especially regarding water management; and grow the economy in the agriculture sector.”

- Denis Paradis, Member of Parliament for Brome—Missisquoi

“Innovative agricultural research here will help Québec producers get the tools they need to ensure their prosperity and sustainability.”

- Pierre Paradis, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Québec

Additional links

Contacts

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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