British Columbia agriculture receiving large investment from federal government</H1>

Funding comes as part of Canada’s Growing Forward 2 agreement

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

British Columbia’s agri-food industry is receiving an investment of $2.5 million from the federal government to put towards as many as 27 new projects involving trial crops and development of new agriculture practices and products.

"This funding supports our British Columbia agri-foods industry by nurturing innovation by encouraging fresh ideas. When doing this, it helps the sector remain competitive, while it continues to be an integral part of our province's economy,” said B.C. Minister of Agriculture, Norm Letnick.

Some of the specific areas that will benefit from the grant are:

• Testing of quinoa, flex, lentil and peas to grow in Peace Valley region
• Designing and testing LED lights for growing lettuce and other leafy greens.
• Developing commercial raw pet food products

There looks to be a catch, however.

The projects funded through this program must have the potential to lead to commercial success and/or adoption of the technologies and innovations used.

"Our Government is committed to making investments that advance research and develop new opportunities for producers in our agriculture sector,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “The valuable improvements that result from the diverse projects we are supporting will play a significant role in ensuring that Canada's agricultural industry continues to thrive and compete in the global marketplace."

The Growing Forward 2 agreement is a five year agreement between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, providing upwards of $3 billion to agri-food and agriculture in Canada.