February 2003

Science, Innovation and the APF

Advances in science and technology are part of the success of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. Canada's Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) emphasizes the integration of science and innovation efforts across governments, the sector and private institutions to achieve maximum return on investments in the key areas of food safety, innovative production and the environment. To achieve these goals, new knowledge and technology must be developed and rapidly put to use by industry. Science and innovation improve productivity and are key to creating a new range of food and non-food products that will garner new markets at home and abroad. AAFC research continues to serve Canadian interests.
Brian Freeze, AAFC, (613) 759-7864

Oat fibre & Heart Disease

Recent studies show soluble dietary fibre may lower the risk of heart disease. AAFC researchers have determined oat beta-glucan soluble fibre lowers serum cholesterol levels, which can be a risk factor for heart disease. This work is increasingly important as new nutrition labeling regulations allow for food health claims. In Guelph, ON, AAFC research shows the amount of soluble beta-glucan and its molecular size are important for human physiological response. To justify health claims and obtain optimal health benefits, knowing how processing and cooking might affect molecular size and solubility is necessary. Cooking oat bran into muffins decreased molecular size, but because solubility increased, the beneficial properties were improved overall. Although the bio-availability was increased in these muffins, this may not always be the case. Research allows better planning and evaluation of oat products, health benefit studies.
Peter Wood AAFC, (519) 829-2400 ext. 3119

Championing Soybeans

International competition is pretty stiff for Canadian growers duking it out in traditional soybean markets. Enter Soy 20/20, a pilot project to make Canada a heavy-weight contender in lucrative, new markets for soybeans. AAFC, the Province of Ontario, the University of Guelph and the soy industry have all anted up time and money to better coordinate research, production, processing and commercialization. Soy 20/20 group is currently gathering market intelligence and conducting research and analysis on current and potential uses for soybeans, soy oils and other by-products. This project, conceived under the science and innovation element of the APF, is hoped to be a model and set a benchmark for other Canadian commodity groups staring down international competition.
Wayne Parlee, AAFC, (519) 837-5824

Human-friendly Bacteria

Not all bacteria are bad. Some even excrete beneficial by-products. Complex sugars known as EPS (exopolysaccharides), used as thickening agents by the food industry, are among the useful by-products. Interestingly, they appear to have a role in lowering cholesterol, stimulating the immune system, and fighting tumours and ulcers. An AAFC team in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, is researching the EPS produced in large quantities by new strains of the bacterium, Lactobacillus. The researchers aim to understand the relation between the structure of EPS and the functional and nutraceutical properties which have human health benefits. This research will identify the Lactobacillus producing the EPS having the best properties and presenting the most useful characteristics.
Marie-Rose Van Calsteren, AAFC, (450) 773-1105

Picture This

Getting to the root of a problem is essential to good science. But until recently, scientists could not effectively get to the actual roots of plants under study without efforts that often destroyed the test plot. Advanced technology now allows AAFC researchers in Harrow, ON, to repeatedly study root growth and death throughout a growing season using advanced photographic and computing technology. The new tool, called a minirhizotron, is a soil camera that permits detailed study of root growth and development affected by fertilization, crop rotation and other management practices. The research aims to develop best management practices which minimize environmental impacts while maximizing crop resistance to less than ideal soil conditions. The device will be on display at the International Farm Equipment Show in Toronto, Feb. 4-7.
Tiequan Zhang, AAFC, (519) 738-2251

Kefir, A Probiotic Beverage

Yoghurt, once an exotic food in Canada, is now common. Kefir, another fermented milk product, may soon be as popular here as in Europe, where it has a long tradition as a healthy drink. In Saint- Hyacinthe, QC, a number of scientific techniques are used by AAFC researchers to understand the complex variety of beneficial microorganisms in kefir. One component produced by these microorganisms, called kefiran, may have anti-cancer properties. The combination of several micro-ingredients make kefir a potential "probiotic" food for humans. Probiotic foods contain disease-fighting bacteria contributing to the health of the intestinal tract. Liberté Yoghurt Company, which produces and markets kefir, joined in AAFC research through a Matching Investment Initiative agreement.
Edward Farnworth, AAFC, (450) 773-1105

Mould: Modeling and Mapping

Timing is everything - especially when farmers want to get the best bang for their buck combatting crop disease while respecting the environment. To assist producers, AAFC researchers in Morden and Brandon, MB, are working with a forecasting system to predict periods when conditions favour the development of white mould in field beans. Using an advisory model, along with information on soil moisture levels and plant growth stage, bean growers can judiciously time the application of fungicides for maximum effect with minimal environmental impact. With this system, the research team is closer to producing a white mould risk map to enable bean producers to forecast periods of high disease risk. White mould is the most serious field bean disease in Western Canada, causing millions of dollars in crop losses each year.
Debra McLaren, AAFC, (204) 726-7650

Lettuce, Camera, Action

Although there may be nothing so discerning as the human eye, there is nothing as untiring and consistent as an automated, digital camera. Almost instinctively, growers and shoppers know color and appearance are key to selecting fresh fruits and vegetables. AAFC researchers in Guelph, ON, have found a similar application of digital image analysis is a reliable, efficient method to evaluate the quality of ready-to-eat lettuce. Soon Canadian producers may be using image analysis software to accurately and objectively detect changes in color to grade fruit and vegetable quality and provide better estimates of shelf life. To the satisfaction of everyone concerned, produce identified as less than acceptable would not head to market.
Ting Zhou, AAFC, (519) 829-2400 ext. 3118

Your Market is Waiting

A tasty dish of U.S. market opportunities will be served at the Canadian International Food and Beverage Show at Toronto's International Centre, Feb. 16-18. AAFC will host a U.S. Foodservice Market Opportunity Breakfast Seminar featuring Jonathan Kirby from Foodbuy, LLC. Atlanta-based Foodbuy is the $3.5 billion procurement division for Compass Group North America, a leading foodservice and hospitality company. AAFC's Export Café and Business Centre will link Canadian agri-food exporters with eight U.S. Trade Commissioners and Japanese foodservice buyers. An AAFC display will showcase the Agri-Food Trade Service as part of Team Canada Inc. and the Agricultural Policy Framework. Canada's largest food and beverage event showcases more than 700 suppliers of specialty and niche, food and beverage products to more than 12,000 visitors.
Frank Webster, AAFC, 519-837-5854