In August, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, embarked on the second "Growing Canadian Agriculture" tour, which concluded on Friday in Southwestern Ontario. During the tour the Minister travelled to many parts of the country to meet with farmers, processors, and industry leaders, and participated in rural agricultural events.
Several strategic federal agricultural investments were highlighted during the tour, which will help keep the sector on the cutting edge. Since the launch of the first tour, Minister MacAulay has announced over $70 million in new agricultural research clusters under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to key areas of the sector, including organic, canola, pulse, agronomy, beef, pork and grape and wine.
During the second part of the tour, Minister MacAulay also announced the details of the Government of Canada's $70M investment to address significant environmental challenges and hire approximately 75 scientists and science professionals in emerging fields of agricultural science. Other key investments to support growth and innovation in the dairy, livestock and hemp sectors, as well as securing of market access for British Columbia fresh cherries to Japan were announced.
"Our Government is proud to support the Canadian farmers and food processors across the country who work hard every day to put safe, high-quality food on our tables, while driving our economy and creating good, middle-class jobs. It was a pleasure to talk with so many producers and processors on my tour this summer and see their dedication and commitment to securing Canada's position as a top global agricultural producer. I would like to thank them on behalf of all Canadians – together, let's keep 'Growing Canadian Agriculture'!" said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
For more information:
www.agr.gc.ca