March 2004

New Independent Policy Institute
The importance of an objective voice in the agriculture policy debate is well understood by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) was incorporated recently as a not-for-profit organization to facilitate the debate. Important contributions to policy development will come from the forward-looking, broad-based and informed discussions at the institute. CAPI will benefit the agriculture and agri-food sector by building on the dynamic relationships among industry, policy researchers and policy makers through a range of activities. The institute will also broaden the policy dialogue while concentrating on innovative, long-term solutions to the challenges facing the sector. The resulting policy developments will nurture growth, employment and competitiveness in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.
Tulay Yildirim, (613) 759-1748

Nothing Fishy About Seafood
Whether wild or farmed, once the fish are out of the water, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has the expertise to assist in export market development. With more than 120 fish and seafood species available through commercial production, Canada has much to offer overseas markets. Each year more than 75 per cent of our production is exported to more than 80 countries. The latest figures (2002) show in excess of 620,000 tonnes, valued at $4.67 billion, were shipped. Canada's largest market is the United States, accounting for 70 per cent of our seafood trade. Japan and the European Union follow. The recent buoyancy of the Loonie presents challenges, but the growth potential remains. Canada has 25 per cent of the world's ocean coastline and 16 per cent of the world's area of fresh water.
Jane Barnett, (905) 823-0122

Wheel of Flavours
Who could believe the taste of banana or even sawdust can be found in maple syrup? In fact, there are 13 flavour families with 91 attributes to describe the syrup's diverse sensory qualities. The recently unveiled Maple Flavour Wheel provides a reference vocabulary to precisely describe the diversity of flavours, similar to the descriptive terms used for wine, beer, honey, chocolate and cheese. The guide could allow the industry to better respond to consumer tastes and promote the quality of the product. This accurate way of describing maple syrup through common language was developed in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, by a research team from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Centre de recherche, de développement et de transfert technologique acéricole inc. See www.agr.gc.ca/maple_wheel.
Jacinthe Fortin 450-773-1105 ext. 135

Sugaring Off To Market
The business of maple syrup has come a long way since the first settlers followed the native tradition of tapping trees. Canada produces 85 per cent of the world's maple syrup through innovative technology that would bedazzle our ancestors, but has allowed our producers to become the world export leaders. More than 28,000 tonnes of syrup, worth about $145 million, went to more than 30 countries in 2002, the last year for which figures are available. Now marketing has reached beyond selling syrup in the can to tap into value-added markets which have accepted blends with cereals, yogurt and other foods. Canada has more than 10,300 maple syrup producers, mostly in Quebec - Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia follow. Only frozen French fries surpass the maple syrup industry in single commodity exports from Canada. See http://ats-sea.agr.ca/supply/e3310.htm
Rémi Gagnon, (613) 759-6245