CCA welcomes funding for innovation in agriculture sector
November 10, 2011
Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) welcomed today’s news that the $50 million Agricultural Innovation Program will include a non-repayable funding stream to assist and support knowledge creation and innovation development in the agriculture sector.
The Knowledge Creation and Transfer stream is one of two funding streams available under the Agricultural Innovation Program introduced in Budget 2011. Details of the program were announced today by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz.
Of particular interest to the applied research community, the Knowledge Creation and Transfer funding stream will support projects that facilitate national value chain development such as market research and business planning, as well as the research leading to the development of new products, technologies and processes.
Canada’s beef and cattle industry increasingly recognizes the crucial role that applied research plays, said CCA President Travis Toews. “Applied research is vital to the industry’s competitiveness through developing more efficient and environmentally sound production practices, and ensuring consumer confidence through food safety and beef quality,” he said.
The Beef Cattle Research Council is fortunate to have world–class research scientists and facilities to conduct industry funded research, Toews added. “The Knowledge Creation and Transfer stream of the Agricultural Innovation Program will help to develop these cutting edge research results into innovative solutions and opportunities for industry.”
The program’s second funding stream, the Commercialization Stream, will provide repayable funding to for-profit companies, co-operatives and organizations for applicable agri-based projects.
For further information, contact:
Gina Teel
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
403-275-8558 x 406 | teelg@cattle.ca www.cattle.ca