29 July 2013

2 minute read

North America

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said: “Innovation helps keep the Canada and B.C. agri-food industry competitive and profitable.

“Our government is committed to supporting programmes like this to promote the long-term economic success of producers by helping bring new farm products and technologies to market.”

B.C. Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm said: “This programme offers B.C.’s producers and processors opportunities to use technology to improve their operations and earn new dollars.

“Projects that stimulate sector-wide innovation support our government’s goal of the B.C. agri-food industry becoming a $14-billion-dollar-a-year industry by 2017.”

The Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Programme is a $3-million, two-year commitment through the new Growing Forward 2 agreement.

This cost-shared programme will allow industry to access funding to support the acceleration of innovation.

The late stage research or pilot projects must lead to commercialisation and/or adoption of innovative products, technologies and practices.

For example, projects that could be considered include the following:

• Advancements in plant, animal and food science;
• Energy and waste management;
• New product development and commercialisation;
• Improvements in soil, water and air quality; and
• Climate change adaptation.

To be eligible, applicants must be appropriately registered, licensed and/or certified to conduct business in British Columbia. Eligible applicants may include the following:

• B.C. agri-food producers and processors;Industry associations and organizations;
• Retail and foodservice businesses;Input, technology and support service providers;
• Academic institutions and/or other organisations and private sector businesses; and
• Regional districts and local governments.

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