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CFA TO HOST AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP DEBATE

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has clearly outlined three key issues prior to the October 21 federal election. Reuters economics reporter Kelsey Johnson will moderate the debate focused on economic growth, food security and environmental stewardship.
 
From a farmer’s perspective, the agriculture and agri-food sector employs 2.3 million Canadians – one in eight jobs. Contributing more than $140 billion in GDP each year, agriculture is the nation’s second largest employer.
 
From a consumer’s perspective, about 10 per cent of take-home pay is spent on food. How the food chain works to meet consumer needs is an important part of the conversation.
 
Leaders from the four main federal parties will debate the challenging issues that face Canadian farmers and food processors.
Source : CFA

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Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.