AIC calls for the creation of a national strategy on research and innovation in the agri-food sector
On September 10, 2021, AIC called for a need for a national strategy on research and innovation in the agri-food sector – see that statement below.
Agri-food in Canada has strong innovative potential and is the key driver of economic growth. It is one of Canada’s best performing sectors. In order for Canada’s agri-food sector to continue to meet the world market’s growing demand, innovation must be supported through science-based policy work and needs-specific funding.
AIC believes a national strategy would provide direction, enable increased collaboration and target and streamline efforts to achieve real objectives within set timelines. A national strategy would bring together key support from across the government, private sector and academia.
With limited resources, we must revive the conversation around the importance of the agri-food sector, innovation and research. The need for a national strategy should be a key priority for our sector.
The Agri-Food Innovation Council (AIC) has announced the members for the Steering Committee for a Call for a National Strategy for Agri-Food Research and Innovation.
The members include:
- Ian Affleck, Vice President, Plant Biotechnology, CropLife Canada
- Andrea Brocklebank, Executive Director, Beef Cattle Reseach Council
- Trish Henderson, United Farmers of Alberta
- Marie-France MacKinnon, Vice-President, Public Affairs & Communications, Canadian Meat Council
- Patti Rothenburger, Director, Primary Agriculture Branch, Manitoba Agriculture
- Martin Scanlon, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Member, Deans Council – Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Medicine
- Natisha Stashko, Executive Director, Smart Agriculture and Food, Alberta Innovates,
- Steven Webb, CEO, Global Institute for Food Security.
The Steering Committee will be chaired by AIC’s CEO, Serge Buy.
To view the letter sent by the committee to The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MP, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, requesting Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada co-lead, in partnership with industry, the development of a National Strategy on Agri-Food Research and Innovation, please click here.
To view the letter in French, please click here.
For more information about our need for a National Strategy for Agri-Food Research and Innovation check out the Steering Committee’s report, “Towards a National Strategy for Agri-Food Research and Innovation in Canada“.
AIC’s CEO Serge Buy spoke with Alex Binkley from National Newswatch.
AIC is ready to co-chair the group developing the strategy with government providing the other co-chair. “Based on statements made by Government of Canada officials, the return on investment for research and innovation in the agri-food sector is higher than for most other sectors. With the agri-food sector seen as a key driver for economic development, it is important to provide the keys for our future,” Buy said.
Read the full article here.
Progress is being made on building support for a national agriculture research and innovation strategy, AIC’s CEO Serge Buy explains in a January 27th interview.
