By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
The Canadian government is supporting new research initiatives designed to give a boost to the soybean export market. The announcement was made today in Charlottetown, P.E.I where Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture – Pierre Lemieux made the announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz who are granting $800,000 to enhance soybean research looking into varieties that will be appealing to key export markets like Japan. "Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and innovative investments play an important role in fostering new economic growth for our agriculture producers," said Lemieux. "This investment will help our soybean producers cater to the expanding Japanese market, creating new opportunities to increase sales and boost their bottom lines."The funding partnership will be led by the Eastern Canada Oilseeds Development Alliance, who will be conducting the research. The research will examine several important factors including, taste, texture, odour and appearance - seeking to find the best soybean variety that would meet the Japanese consumer demands. "ECODA focuses on research that involves supply chain partners and projects that have a direct link to the marketplace," said Rory Francis, President of ECODA. "Commercialization of research results will ensure that producers and processors see the return on their $269,000 research investment in this project."This research announcement is good for Canadian soybean growers as they will be able to reap the benefits of the research to help expand their export opportunities.