The federal government has made another investment in organic research.
Agriculture Canada announced $8 million in funding for the Organic Federation of Canada to lead an organic science cluster.
“The Canadian organic sector continues to grow at an impressive rate,” federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said in a press release.
“Investments like this in research and development span the entire value chain, from production through to the consumer, and support the competitiveness, growth and prosperity of the organic sector and our overall economy.”
Two hundred collaborating scientists from academia, government and industry will use the funding to respond to growing market demand and to create new opportunities for organic food.
Read Also
Grain Growers call for Port of Vancouver to be included in federal major projects
The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is calling on the federal government and the Major Projects Office to designate the Port of Vancouver and its connecting rail infrastructure as a project of national significance. The first list of projects being considered was released Sept. 11.
Research priorities include crop breeding, creating new reduced tillage systems, enhancing soil health and developing new ways to manage crop pests, diseases and livestock parasites.
“This project involves researchers across the country working together to provide us with the tools needed to expand production to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for organic food,” Ted Zettel, president of the Organic Federation of Canada, said in the press release.
In 2010, the federal government invested $6.5 million to establish the organic science cluster.
