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
