Harper Government Invests to Add Value to Canada's Field Crops

News Release

June 6, 2014 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced an investment of $5 million to the Canadian International Grains Institute to find innovative applications for Canada's field crops.

With this support, provided under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) AgriInnovation Program, the Canadian International Grains Institute will undertake research activities to continue to ensure the industry delivers the highest quality food products and increase its competitive position. The research will focus on creating innovative applications and market-ready products developed from Canadian field crops including wheat and pulses.

Quick Facts

Canadian International Grains Institute is an internationally recognized non-profit market development and technical analysis organization that delivers customized training programs and technical expertise to customers around the world.
Canada typically exports approximately 50 per cent of its total primary field crop production which in 2012 totalled approximately $17.44 billion.
On May 29, 2014, Bill C-30, the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act, received Royal Assent. The legislation identifies clear and achievable measures to get Canada's agricultural products, and other commodities, to market in a predictable and timely way.
The AgriInnovation Program is a five-year, up to $698-million initiative under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework that supports pre-commercialization research, development, and knowledge transfer in agriculture.

Quotes

"The grains and oilseeds sector continues to be a major contributor to the Canadian economy. We are proud to continue to support research that helps Canadian producers see a greater return on their top-quality crops."

- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"The Canadian International Grains Institute welcomes this significant investment from the Government of Canada. As an independent technical institute, innovation is one of our core values and it drives much of the work that happens in our facilities as well as with customers in key markets all over the world. This funding will enable us to expand the applied research and product innovation activities we do on behalf of farmers and industry."

- Earl Geddes, Chief Executive Officer at Canadian International Grains Institute

Associated Links

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Canadian International Grains Institute

Contacts

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Ellen Goodman
Communications Specialist
Canadian International Grains Institute
204-983-1145
egoodman@cigi.ca

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Harper Government Invests to Add Value to Canada's Field Crops

News Release

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