News release

MINISTER STRAHL ANNOUNCES SCIENCE AND INNOVATION STRATEGY TO MAXIMIZE BREAKTHROUGHS

MONTREAL, Quebec, May 30, 2006 - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today presented a new strategy for agriculture science and innovation that focuses on short and long-term results.

The main focus of this strategy is to maximize research opportunities and breakthroughs by building partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and industry. The research opportunities in the biomass sector, for example, are immeasurable in their short and long-term results for Canada's economy.

"Canada's new government is committed to moving agriculture beyond food, feed, and fibre," said Minister Strahl. "The time is ripe for a new science and innovation strategy that will ultimately increase farmer income."

Key agriculture research opportunities include:

the development of new, healthy food products that improve nutrition and wellness;
the production of renewable fuel as a cleaner source of energy;
the prevention and control of threats to Canadian food and food production;
the exploration of opportunities, practices and uses for new agricultural products;
the application of agricultural production methods that are environmentally responsible.

The strategy builds on recent nation-wide science consultations with the agriculture and agri-food sector and research community. This strategy will be the cornerstone for a broader science and innovation strategy under the next generation of agriculture and agri-food policy.

To access AAFC's new strategy for science and innovation, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/science-strategy.

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For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972

Jeff Howard
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl's office
613-759-1059

BACKGROUNDER

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science and Innovation Strategy

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has been providing solutions for agriculture, rural communities and Canadians for over 120 years, and has continually adapted its expertise and efforts to address new challenges and opportunities.

In recent years, global agriculture markets have experienced a radical transformation, driven largely by advances in science and technology. The pace of change continues to accelerate with new markets emerging in energy, human health and wellness, environment, security and economic development. With these changes come new opportunities for Canada.

Over the last year, AAFC has undertaken a review of science priorities. As a first step, in October and November 2005, AAFC held a series of cross-country consultations that included:

eleven regional workshops;
a National Agriculture Science and Innovation Symposium;
a series of bilateral consultations with provinces, territories, universities and industry;
consultations with departmental employees; and
on-line consultations available for all Canadians through AAFC's Science Consultations Web site.

The results of these consultations are serving as building blocks for the development of AAFC's Science and Innovation Business Plan. The goal is to ensure that AAFC's research efforts are complementary to those of other players in the national and international research community, and to support the collective research investments of governments, universities, and the private sector.

The Science and Innovation Business Plan will consist of three parts:
Part 1: The Science and Innovation Strategy;
Part 2: The Science and Innovation Operational Plan; and
Part 3: The Research Work Plan.

Part 1, the Science and Innovation Strategy is complete and sets the strategic direction for agricultural science and innovation to support long-term sustainable profitability and growth.

Part 2, AAFC's operational plan for science and innovation, will identify the changes required to deliver the Science and Innovation Strategy and associated guidelines for conducting future departmental research activities. The operational Plan is expected to be completed this summer.

Part 3, the Research Work Plan, will be developed in the fall 2006 and early 2007, as part of the annual departmental planning process. The launch of the plan will signal the conclusion of the Science Review process.

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