Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board today announced a $2.7 million federal investment to improve growers' access to innovative crop protection products that are more environmentally responsible.

"Canada's New Government is pleased to support research and development of alternative pest controls and reduced-risk pesticide options for growers," said Minister Gerry Ritz. "Supporting the development of environmentally responsible products will mean a stronger market for Canadian products and a more prosperous agricultural sector."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Pesticide Risk Reduction Program awarded 39 research projects selected through a competitive process. The total of $2.7 million in funding will be dispersed over three years to university, government, provincial and private researchers across the country.

AAFC's Pesticide Risk Reduction Program is dedicated to helping growers protect their investments from weed, insect and plant disease problems. The program encourages risk reduction solutions through a variety of pest management practices that are environmentally sound and economically feasible.

For more information on the 39 pest management research projects or the Pesticide Risk Reduction Program, visit www.agr.gc.ca/prrmup.