Agricultural research should better reflect the changing face of the industry, an industry
official says.
Gordon Bacon of Pulse Canada told the Canada Grains Council semi-annual meeting that
the pulse industry is a good example.
He said pulse acres have expanded 2,500 percent in the last 20 years to 4.5 million acres. As
well, the sector produces $1.3 billion worth of product, which could grow to $2 billion
within five years.
Meanwhile, the area sown to spring wheat has fallen five million acres to 9.8 million.
However, research spending decisions are often based on historical production patterns,
with an emphasis on wheat.
“Allocation of public money to research must be balanced between enhancing established
sectors and investment in emerging sectors,” Bacon said.
“A static investment plan will end up serving an industry that no longer exists in the form
that justified the initial investment.”
He said Canada has emerged as the world’s leading exporter of peas, lentils and chickpeas,
and the fourth largest exporter of white and colored beans.
But increased research is necessary to keep the industry growing and competitive.
