Federal government doles out R&D money recognizing agriculture as an economc growth sector
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OTTAWA – For those who live in Southern Alberta, it comes as no surprise as to how much agriculture adds to the local economy.
But the picture is bigger than our backyard. Canada is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of agriculture and food products, and contributes over $100 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). The agriculture and agri-food industry employs 2.2 million Canadians, which represents one in 8 jobs.
With that in mind, this week, Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, and Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, highlighted the Government’s investments in scientific agricultural research during a tour of the Ottawa Research and Development Centre.
Budget 2017 is expected to invest $70 million over six years, starting in 2017–18, to further support agricultural science and innovation.
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC), is providing leadership in the growth, development and sustainability of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector, which is the direction MacAulay sees as critical.
“Science is the cornerstone of the Government’s plan to create good jobs in the agri-food sector and to grow the middle class. Our commitment to funding cutting-edge agricultural research will help farmers grow the economy, feed a growing population, protect the environment and combat climate change.”
