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Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), with top research scientists, professionals, marketers, and many others, works to ensure the agriculture and agri-food sector has the best chance to thrive in both domestic and international markets. Its mandate is to provide information, research, and technology, as well as policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment, and innovation for growth. To promote growth in the sector, the department strives to develop policies, programs and services that translate into safe, nutritious food at reasonable prices to consumers while conserving environmental resources. Excellence is integral to the promotion of Canadian products and to strengthening the agri-food sector's contribution to Canada 's economic and environmental objectives. Since 2001, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have been working with the agriculture and agri-food industry to help strengthen and revitalize the sector through a new Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). This framework brings together five key elements – Business Risk Management, Renewal, Food Safety and Quality, Environment, and Science and Innovation – to help Canadian agriculture maximize new opportunities in world markets. If Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is to be recognized internationally as the world leader for innovative products and technologies, food safety, and environmentally responsible production, science is the foundation upon which success in these areas will be built. The agriculture and agri-food portfolio encompasses integrated activities such as research, as well as Crown corporations and agencies such as the Canadian Grain Commission. More than 4,000 employees, including nearly 600 scientists work within the department across the country. The role of science is clear. Whether it’s contributing to our environmental health, developing sustainable production systems, coming up with new or improved bioproducts and processes, or ensuring food safety and quality, an innovative scientific approach is key to building a solid future for Canada. AAFC’s labs are geared to providing the science to allow Canada to deliver an exciting range of innovative agriculture-based products at home and abroad. As science increases in complexity, so does the need for a co-operative approach. Today, our scientists across the country work together with other governments, the agri-food sector, and private research institutions to achieve maximum return on investment in the areas important to Canadians, notably food safety, environmental health, and wealth creation. Contact AAFC on the Internet at http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.phtml or 613-759-1000. You can learn more about AAFC’s science programs and how we work with the agri-food sector to put Canada first by visiting our Web site at http://res2.agr.gc.ca/index_e.htm. National Science ProgramsEnvironmental HealthThere’s no denying that the practices used on about 70 million hectares of Canadian farmland have an impact on the health of our environment. With the help of research at AAFC, Canada’s 250,000 farms are becoming more innovative to ensure the protection and preservation of our natural heritage. AAFC scientists use the tools and techniques at their disposal to ensure farming activities protect our soils, water, and air, preserve biodiversity and organic nutrients, and develop alternative pest-control techniques. The long-term success of the agricultural industry in Canada is based on the productive ability of our natural resources and the implementation of practices to this end. Our research efforts at AAFC aim to make sure farming and environmental health go hand in hand. Contact Dr. Wayne Lindwall Soil, Water, and Air QualityProper stewardship practices are key to the long-term productivity of the agri-food industry. Our scientists are developing knowledge to reduce risks of erosion, compaction, salinization, and loss of organic matter. As well, new technologies to assess soil resources are supporting land use decision making. Researchers focus on reducing the impact of agricultural activities on nearby water and soil, while balancing the nutrient and pesticide requirements of crops. Their studies include decreasing the environmental risks from fertilizers, organic residues, pathogens, pesticides, and other substances by implementing farming practices that reduce resource contamination. Scientists are also working to develop effective air quality measuring and monitoring systems that will give us a better understanding of the complex relationships surrounding climate change. Our experts are examining the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on agri-food sector activities. Contact Dr. Richard Butts BiodiversityAAFC researchers are working to understand and assess plant, microbial, and invertebrate biodiversity of interest to Canadian agriculture, industry, and the environment. Included is the development of rapid detection and identification technologies. Our experts are studying the relationship between agriculture and biodiversity to maintain healthy, more resilient ecosystems. Other research includes the long-term conservation and utilization of plant and microbe genetic resources as well as the management and use of biodiversity information. Contact Dr. Barry Grace (Acting) Integrated Pest ManagementOur scientists are working on programs that combine a complementary array of control techniques – including traditional and alternative pesticides, genetic resistence, and other forms of biocontrol – into one, integrated approach for managing pests: insects, diseases, and weeds. Integrated pest management contributes to the well-being of Canada’s agricultural sector by providing new pest control strategies that result in a healthier environment while producing high-quality foods for consumers. Contact Dr. Gary Whitfield Sustainable Production SystemsCrop and livestock products account for the majority of Canadian farm income. The export of agri-food products generated $26.45 billion in 2004. Canadian exports of agri-food products were forecast to grow approximately three per cent in 2005 and eight per cent in 2006. New information and improved technology related to the production of plants and animals are essential to making these sectors competitive, profitable, and viable. Diverse geography and climate challenge Canadian producers. Research to reduce risk and minimize the impact agricultural production systems have on the environment are the focus of this National Science Program. Contact Dr. Steve Morgan Jones Cultivar Development and Genetic EnhancementAt AAFC, our scientists are developing better quality, higher-yielding crop varieties using traditional breeding and molecular genetic techniques. Improved crops help Canadian farmers improve the viability of their farms and maintain demand for Canadian produce in export markets. Contact Dr. Jeff Stewart Grains and OilseedsBest management practices help reduce the environmental impacts of cropping in Canada. AAFC experts across the country are studying ways to lower production risks and reduce pesticide use on cereals and oilseed crops. New practices and technology are helping to increase the efficiency of modern agricultural production and renew Canada’s competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Contact Dr. David Wall Crop Production SystemsAcross the country, AAFC scientists are evaluating the impact of changing crops and practices on the environment and on farm viability. New practices and technology are increasing the efficiency and reducing the risk of cereal, oilseed, field crop, forage, and pulse crop production. The benefits of diversification into vegetables, greenhouse products, tree fruits, berries, ornamentals, and viticulture are numerous. AAFC’s research on technologically advanced production systems contributes to the sustainability of agriculture in Canada and enhances competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Contact Dr. Peter Hicklenton High-Value CropsThe benefits of diversification in agricultural crops such as vegetables, greenhouse products, tree fruits, berries, ornamentals, and viticulture are numerous. Experts at AAFC are working on sustainable production systems to offer the sector more choices about what to produce and how. Research efforts to develop new improved crop varieties and more efficient technologically advanced production systems will contribute to the sustainability of agriculture in Canada. Contact Dr. Roger Chagnon Livestock Production SystemsOur livestock research at AAFC develops new technologies to reduce production costs and improve product safety. Scientists are sensitive to society’s concerns about livestock production. Our research provides workers in the livestock sector with innovations to improve animal care and increase consumer confidence. The information, technology, and programs provided by AAFC’s research help to maintain the competitiveness and ensure the renewal of Canada’s livestock industry. Contact Dr. Jacques Surprenant Animal Behaviour and WelfareOur livestock research at AAFC includes the health and welfare of the animals. Consumer confidence has increased with the development of welfare-friendly livestock production systems. The science in our labs aims to provide workers in the livestock sector with information and innovations to improve production and animal care. Contact Dr. Valerie Stevens Bioproducts and BioprocessesA diesel fuel additive from canola seeds that improves engine performance. A naturally occurring, environmentally friendly fungus that attacks insect pests. Natural biologically active molecules, isolated from blueberries and soybeans, that will help prevent diseases. These are just a few examples of the applications that may result from bioproducts and bioprocesses research at AAFC. Advances in agri-food science and technology are accelerating the development of a wide range of new industrial, health, and nutritional products obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms. New bio-based products from agricultural commodities will contribute immensely to the advancement of Canada’s economic, social, and environmental goals over the next few decades as part of Canada’s growing, renewable bio-economy. Contact Dr. Gordon Neish Bio-Based Products and ProcessesScientists in AAFC’s research labs across the country conduct research that will help to develop commodity and intermediate chemicals and materials, including ethanol, biodiesel, fatty acids, bioplastics and industrial starches. Research efforts are also under way to develop specialty chemicals and microbial products such as biopesticides, pharmaceutical products, flavours, fragrances and enzymes. Contact Dr. Christiane Deslauriers Genomics and BiotechnologyAt AAFC, this area of research involves the study of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, enabling technologies, and bioinformatics. Studies in this field of agri-food research offer many advantages for Canada. Contact Dr. Lianne Dwyer Food Safety and QualityAbove all else, food must be safe to eat. AAFC scientists across the country are helping ensure this, with research aimed at ensuring food safety while optimizing quality. Food safety and quality come into play at every level of the food production chain on the farm, during storage and distribution, and at the processing plant. At the farm level, for example, researchers are looking into alternatives for antibiotic treatments. An example at the processing level is the improvement of sterilization and preservation techniques. The benefits of food safety and quality research should not be underestimated. First and foremost, the health of the Canadian people depends, in large part, on a reliable supply of safe, high-quality foods, whether fresh or processed. Economically, the use of scientific research to develop and implement cost-effective and technologically advanced food processing systems will promote Canada as the world leader in food safety and quality, thus giving the country’s agri-food sector a competitive edge in the global food trade. Our research helps to support food safety and regulations, develop improved new products and processes, and meet consumer preferences and nutritional needs. Contact Dr. Primal Silva Food Safety and ProcessingOne goal of food safety research at AAFC is to develop knowledge of current and emerging pathogenic organisms implicated in human allergies and diseases. This knowledge can be used in the development of strategies such as the prevention of food contamination, traceability through the system, and rapid diagnostic testing. Our studies for safe and high-quality food in Canada continue with AAFC’s research on post-harvest handling, storage, processing, and distribution from the farm to consumers. Contact Dr. Primal Silva Food Quality and NutritionAAFC researchers are studying the maintenance and development of the quality characteristics of food, including nutrition. The target is to enable the agri-food sector to produce food products that satisfy Canadians’ need for “enjoyable” food. This encompasses convenience, microcomposition, freshness, flavour, aroma, texture, and appearance. There is also an emphasis on understanding the nutritional value of food – how it can be preserved or improved and its impact on human health. Contact Dr. Primal SilvaTel.: 613-759-6142 Fax: 613-759-7769 E-mail: silvap@agr.gc.ca Canadian Grain CommissionGrain Research LaboratoryThe Grain Research Laboratory is the scientific division of the Canadian Grain Commission. Research objectives include:
Fields of Research Identify and characterize properties, quality components, and end-use performance of major Canadian grains: cereal grains (common wheat, durum wheat, and barley), oilseeds (canola, flaxseed, soybeans, sunflower seed, and mustard seed), and pulses (field peas, field beans, and lentils). Specific research applications to Canadian grains include analysis and method development for detection and measurement of trace elements, pesticide residues, and mycotoxins; near-infrared spectroscopy, image analysis, high-resolution digital photography, viscosity analysis and light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy for development of rapid instrumental grain analysis methods and grain quality assessment; laboratory- and pilot-scale milling of wheat into flour and semolina; laboratory- and small-scale processing and instrumentation for dough making and bread baking; laboratory-scale pasta processing of semolina for the evaluation of durum wheat quality parameters; laboratory-scale noodle processing and specialized instrumentation for the evaluation of end-product quality; pilot- and laboratory-scale systems to evaluate malting-type barleys; analysis of activity of cereal enzymes, particularly alpha-amylase; chemistry of oilseeds as studied by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and NIR; compositional analysis and functionality in pulses; biochemical and biotechnological methods for laboratory identification of grain varieties, including electrophoresis, immunoassay, and DNA fingerprinting; analysis, measurement, and chemistry of protein, starch, moisture, and other grain constituents; and mycology of grains, with emphasis on mycotoxigenic fungi. Contact Dr. Peter Burnett Grain Research Laboratory |
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