Expanding international markets for Canadian probiotic products

Apr 25, 2017

Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, announced today that Bio-K Plus International Inc. was approved for up to $50,000 to reach new markets in the United States for their probiotic capsules and beverages.

This project aims to raise consumers' awareness about the health benefits of probiotic products, and increase Bio-K Plus exports to the United States. With well-targeted promotional activities msuch as product demonstrations and tradeshow exhibits, the company hopes to increase demand\ for their products in all regions of the United States. This project is funded through the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing program.

The Government of Canada is committed to helping our farmers and food processors grow their businesses, expand existing markets at home and abroad, and create jobs to benefit the sector and all Canadians.

Source: AAFC

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.