Government of Canada investing in Canadian pulse industry innovation

December 14, 2009

CENTRALIA, Ontario – The Government of Canada is investing in new environmentally friendly and more cost efficient herbicide development so that pulse farmers can continue to succeed in markets around the world. Members of Parliament Bev Shipley (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex) and Benn Lobb (Huron-Bruce), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today that the Government of Canada is contributing $772, 000 to Pulse Canada to develop a herbicide that will dry crops faster for easier harvesting.

“The Government of Canada wants to help farmers succeed by creating new opportunities for Canadian farmers through investments in science and innovation,” said Mr. Shipley. “This project will provide growers with options to protect quality at harvest time and deliver their world-class products to the global market.”

New restrictions for herbicide residues means there are fewer products available for desiccation as harvest aids for dry bean growers in Canada. The funding will allow researchers to evaluate what is currently available and to develop new environmentally and economically sustainable harvest-aid programs for dry beans.

“Canadian farmers grow and export more pulses than anyone else in the world and it’s a real success story for Ontario,” said Mr. Lobb. “Our Government is working to build on that success to make sure this industry can continue to grow and bring new opportunities to our farmers.”

“This project funding will allow research to occur across Canada in all of the major bean growing areas,” said Gordon Bacon, CEO of Pulse Canada.  “Not only will it ensure that farmers have crop protection products that work effectively, it will help us ensure that we will continue to supply bean customers around the world with high quality products.”

Canada produces nearly 10 per cent of the world’s dry bean exports, valued at $136 million annually, making it the fourth largest exporter of dry beans world-wide. Last year, Canada exported more than $2 billion of pulse products to more than one hundred and fifty (150) countries.

This is the first investment announced under the Developing Innovative Agri-Products program, an initiative of Agri-Innovations, which supports industry-led science and technology projects. Investments in innovative agricultural practices and processes will help farmers throughout Canada tap new market opportunities, making them stronger and more competitive.

For more information on the Agri-Innovations program please visit www.agr.gc.ca (under Growing Forward, Science)