Web news posted on June 3, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. EST

A new program has been established to provide Canadian farmers, agricultural companies and non-profit organizations with viable market opportunities. The Government of Canada has introduced the Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program, a $158 million initiative aimed at supporting industry-led innovation to push new agricultural products into the marketplace and improve agricultural processes.

“This program will accelerate the innovation needed to bring more products to market in less time,” said Jean-Pierre Blackburn, minister of national revenue and minister of state (agriculture). “We’re maximizing the impact of the Government’s investments in science and innovation by focusing on Canada’s agricultural strengths and attracting industry investment.”

The investments will support four initiatives aimed at building an innovative and competitive agricultural sector:

Agri-Science Clusters will bring together industry, academic and government expertise to address new opportunities to make agriculture more profitable and competitive. These Clusters will bring new products, practices and processes closer to the market by supporting research and development activities.

Developing Innovative Agri-Products will support industry-led projects that bridge the gap between ideas and discoveries and products in the marketplace. These investments will help create new economic opportunities for farmers, businesses and communities.

Agri-Foresight will help the agricultural sector anticipate possible challenges and opportunities. Participants will identify the strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the agriculture sector, and will develop strategies to react to these issues and create new opportunities and greater future profitability for farmers and the agricultural sector.

Promoting Agri-Based Investment Opportunities will encourage private investment in the development of agricultural products and processes by creating networks of investors and business-people.

The initiative, delivered by AAFC, will provide key investments and help farmers and processors build strong business cases to attract support. The government will also work with farmers and experts to analyze potential future trends in consumer demands to ensure Canadian agriculture is best positioned to make the most of new opportunities

The program falls under the Growing Forward program, a $1.3 billion commitment made by federal and provincial governments to develop the next generation of agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products industry. Funding for the Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program is available until 2013.