Industry Praises Government’s Commitment to Put Farmer’s First Through Research and Innovation

December 11, 2007

OTTAWA – Testifying before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food yesterday, representatives of Canada’s leading agricultural research companies praised the Conservative government for its commitment to research and innovation. The representatives were appearing to talk about the government’s new agriculture framework “Growing Forward.”

“Canada’s agriculture community and farmers from coast to coast are behind this government’s efforts to put farmers first by ensuring long term investment in research and innovation,” said MP Guy Lauzon. “Research and innovation are increasing crop yields, developing new varieties and increasing sustainability and profitability.”

At the committee hearing on Monday, Jeff Reid, the First Vice-President of the Canadian Seed Trade Association, said, “We welcome very much the Grow Canada initiative Growing Forward.” Mr. Gordon Bacon, Chief Executive Officer of Pulse Canada also testified about the strong working relationship between government and industry saying, “The Canadian Agriculture and Food International program has helped the pulse industry to address market access barriers, enter new markets and promote the Canadian pulse industry during a time of rapid expansion”.

“It is imperative that industry and government work together to ensure the success of Canada’s agricultural sectors,” said Lauzon. “This government is committed to that, is doing that, and the results are showing. Our government is putting farmers first.”

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For more information, please contact:
Guy Lauzon, MP
613-992-2521
Lauzog8@parl.gc.ca