PORT
WILLIAMS, NS, Oct. 4, 2024
/CNW/ - Investing in organic farming research is essential for
advancing sustainable practices, addressing the sector's unique
challenges, and supporting the continued growth and competitiveness
of Canadian organic products.
Today, Kody Blois, Member of
Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of the Honorable Lawrence
MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to
$6,828,349 over 5 years to the
Organic Federation of Canada (OFC)
through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative
under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This funding will allow the OFC to partner on research into the
environmental benefits of sustainable farming practices and address
challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health
and water quality. The OFC will develop solutions to production
challenges such as organic crop adaptability and pest management.
These efforts will improve the performance of organic production
systems, support economic growth and development, and improve
sustainability in the sector.
The Government of Canada is
committed to supporting research and innovation in the organic
sector to ensure that Canadian organic producers continue to lead
in environmental stewardship, while securing a strong economic
future.
Quotes
"This investment will help our organic farmers manage
environmental challenges and fine-tune their practices so they can
keep delivering top-quality food, sustainably. It's support like
this that allows our organic sector to lead the way and reach even
more customers here in Canada and
around the world."
- The
Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food
"With the funding announced today, the Organic Federation of
Canada will be able to help
advance research and address key challenges in organic farming.
Canadian organic farmers, including those here in Nova Scotia, will have the support they need
to keep producing high-quality, sustainable food, strengthening our
organic sector and benefiting all Canadians."
-
Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for
Kings–Hants, Nova Scotia
"The science that supports organic agriculture seeks innovative,
ecologically sound solutions to production challenges that can
serve all forms of agriculture. Maintaining biodiversity and soil
health, reducing GHGs, using integrated approaches to pest
management, and delivering economic benefits are all factors that
guide the 14 research activities in field crops, horticulture and
livestock production that will be carried out as part of the
Organic Science Cluster 4. The Organic Federation of Canada, in collaboration with the Organic
Agriculture Centre of Canada,
would like to thank AAFC, and the funding partners and organic
farms for their generous contributions and direct participation in
the research being carried out by nearly 50 researchers from 10
Canadian universities and 13 research centers. A national knowledge
transfer campaign will inform the agricultural industry on the
benefits of our national research project."
-
Jim Robbins, President of the
Organic Federation of Canada
Quick facts
- In 2022, the Canadian organic sector grew to $9.3 billion (including products that are not
eligible for certification under the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency's Canada Organic Regime, such as pet food and
textiles).
- In 2022, Canada exported
$555 million in organic products,
making it the 5th largest organic market globally.
- The OFC is a longstanding recipient of AAFC funding, having
most recently received over $7
million in funding through the AgriScience Program under the
previous Canadian Agricultural Partnership framework.
- The OFC is a national, not-for-profit organization responsible
for the maintenance and interpretation of the Canadian Organic
Standards and the administration of scientific research in organic
agriculture in Canada.
- Since 2008, the OFC has worked closely with the Organic
Agriculture Centre of Canada
(OACC), located at Dalhousie
University's Agriculture Campus, to address the research
needs and priorities of Canada's
organic producers and processors.
- The OACC facilitates and leads research and education that
supports organic producers, consumers and other organic
stakeholders to foster sustainable communities.
- The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable
CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year
agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and
territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness,
innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and
agri‐based products sector.
- The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable CAP, aims to
accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for
pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the
agriculture and agri-food sector, and Canadians.
- The AgriScience Program - Clusters Component supports projects
intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through
partnerships, and address priority national themes and horizontal
issues.
Additional links
- AgriScience Program – Clusters Component
- Organic Federation of Canada
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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada