Agrifood Innovation and Sustainability receives funding

Dec 12, 2014

Federal and British Columbia governments working together

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick announced a partnership and commitment of more than $4.3 million to support innovation, food safety, business development and sustainability in the province’s agricultural community.

"These projects help support the environmental sustainability of B.C. farmers through climate change adaption and Environmental Farm Plan programs, and economically through projects supporting sector research, market development and new technology. These factors all contribute to B.C.'s modern and diverse agrifoods industry, the 60,000 people it employs, and the food security it brings to our province,” B.C. Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick said.

The Growing Forward 2 Agreement, a $3 billion investment by all levels of government scheduled to end in 2018, will continue to focus on ensuring Canadian producers and processors have the necessary tools to contribute to the economy.

"Our government is proud to continue to make strategic investments such as these to increase profitability and competitiveness in Canada's agriculture sector. The work being accomplished through Growing Forward 2 will enable research and development and enhance production and export capacities to grow a bright future for Canadian businesses,” said Agricultural Minister Gerry Ritz.

Other projects funded include tool and guide developments for farmers and animal health and surveillance.

"We're pleased to be working together with government and all stakeholders to continually advance agriculture in British Columbia. The programs and services delivered through the (BC Agricultural Research & Development Corporation) support B.C. farmers and ranchers adopting new farming practices in environmental sustainability and food safety to keep B.C. grown and raised foods safe, sustainable and competitive,” said ARDCorp chair Allen James.

View more information about Growing Forward 2.

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.