Feds Invest in Wheat
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The federal government is hoping to help wheat farmers stay competitive, expand their market opportunities and provide healthy food to their consumers. This week, a $200,000 investment into the Ontario Cereal Industry Research Council (OCIRC) was announced, to help grow the market for whole wheat, as well as wheat-based foods.
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“The Government of Canada is helping farmers adapt to a changing marketplace and remain competitive by investing in new innovation that will grow market opportunities,” said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament, Bob Dechert, who announced the funding. “This investment will help boost the farm gate by developing new wheat varieties that respond to consumer demand for healthy food in Canada and around the world.”
The OCIRC will use the funding to try to identify healthier varieties of wheat and develop new foods that maximize on the healthy traits found in the grain. The group will also look at the health benefits of the grain after it’s been baked or stored.
“Canada has a world leading, $7.6 billion cereal sector, including a full range of wheat grown in Ontario to serve global markets,” said OCIRC president, Louise Jacques-O’Hare in a statement. “Having a centre of world class research located at the University of Guelph is fundamental to advance the goal of an innovative cereal processing sector. We appreciate the Government’s investment to enable the University’s research team to make a positive difference to the health and well-being of Canadians.”
Program funding is being made available by the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program which, in Ontario, is delivered through the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
“This project will deliver value to wheat breeders, farmers, millers and processors through the identification and development of projects with high nutritional value and thereby assist customers in choosing healthful products,” said the Agricultural Adaptation Council Chair in the same statement.
The Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program is a $163-million initiative that is set up to work across the nation for a period of five years. It aims to help Canada’s agricultural industry remain competitive. The program falls under the auspices of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a national stimulus plan that includes programs and initiatives to help Canada’s farmers focus on building the national economy and create jobs.
