February 12, 2007

Good morning.

Thanks for your interest and for coming out, and many thanks to Minister Wartman for hosting this event.

Today, Minister Wartman and I are here to tell you about an important way Canada's New Government and the province of Saskatchewan are working together for agriculture.

Working with provinces and territories to ensure the prosperity and global competitiveness of our agriculture and agri-food sector is a priority for this Government.

I'm pleased to be part of this event and to announce today a federal investment of $41.5 million in wedge and roll-over funds for agriculture science and innovation in Saskatchewan.

These funds are available through the Agricultural Policy Framework, or APF. The APF is the federal-provincial-territorial framework for agriculture by which we are maximizing our support to farmers and industry.

This funding will support existing programs in Saskatchewan that are geared to the specific needs of the province.

Specifically, this $41.5 million federal investment will support agriculture science and innovation in Saskatchewan through:

$37.3 million for the province's Agriculture Development Fund;

$3.2 million for the Prairie Genome project; and

$1 million for other research projects.

Saskatchewan has matched our investment to further enhance research programs and expand its research capacity at institutions across the province.

Saskatchewan and, in fact, all of Canada, will benefit from research and innovation in such areas as food and bioproducts, biofuels, the development of high value feed products and beef and swine production that are being supported through this funding.

Advancing our science and innovation capabilities is critical to improve the competitive advantage of Canadian agriculture.

Since taking office just over twelve months ago, we've been working hard to create a climate of innovation across Canada to ensure the prosperity of our industry.

Back in May, I presented a new Science and Innovation Strategy aiming to maximize research opportunities and breakthroughs by building partnerships in support of a sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-food sector.

Advancements in science have the potential to spur economic development throughout Canada.

That is why in July, I announced a federal investment of $10 million in the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative.

This program was a first step in enabling agricultural and rural communities to seize opportunities to participate in and benefit from increased Canadian biofuels production.

I'm very pleased about the high level of interest in biofuels here in Saskatchewan.

In December, I announced $345 million to fund two agriculture programs that will help bolster the development of biofuels and other bioproducts.

The $145 million Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program and the $200 million Capital Formation Assistance Program for Renewable Fuels Production are designed to create new market opportunities for Canadian agriculture.

And then last month, we announced $134 million over a four year period for the new Agri-Opportunities Program to help the sector commercialize innovative Canadian products, processes and services. I encourage the Saskatchewan industry to take full advantage of this innovative program.

Advancing Canada's bio-based economy is a priority for Canada's federal government. These programs are an important step in achieving our objective of five per cent renewable content in transportation fuels, while also creating new economic opportunities for our farmers and agricultural sector.

Supporting research programs that work and building strong partnerships for the long-term just make good business sense.

Ensuring Canada's success in national and world agri-food markets relies on continued investments in new technologies and strong partnerships, with provinces and territories, and the private sector.

I've said it before: I believe we're turning a corner in agriculture, and I'm very optimistic about the economic opportunities and prospects ahead for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

So, I encourage everyone to participate in the e-consultations for the development of the next generation of agriculture and agri-food policy, available at www.agr.gc.ca/nextgen.

I look forward to seeing the positive results for those who depend on the agricultural and agri-food sectors in the near future.

This investment will help us get there.

Thank you once again for your interest. And thank you again Minister Wartman for your gracious efforts in hosting this event.