Where do we see things happening? Investment in biotechnology will continue. There are 459 biotechnology companies in Canada, representing 10% of the global activity. We foresee a lot of that continuing.
Working with public health will be a priority, as agriculture teams with researchers in the areas of plant-based medicines and vaccines and addresses anti-microbial resistance and zoonotics.
Sugar substitutes that are plant-based will see unprecedented demand, as will ready meals that are authenticated. Demand for organic foods will grow—and in these areas, specifically baby foods, meats, frozen meats, and soups. We've seen unprecedented growth there, so there are market opportunities.
Also, we need to look at the aging population and the fact that 100% of our meat in institutions is imported and is not domestic product.
We will be looking at biodegradable diapers and medical supplies, largely driven from canola, as an important advancement.
I guess I'd like to challenge the word “sustainability” as we look at all aspects of the grain industry. One of the things we need is a new appreciation of the grain industry.
It has been touched on, but varietal research is very important here. I encourage continuing it, because we have such a vibrant livestock industry in Canada that the grain industry is important to continue.
I want to say that product differentiation and quality assurance, under the name of traceability.... I know we've had a lot of confusion in that area, as to what traceability is, who should lead it, who comes on board, and what it costs us all, but if we want to set Canada apart for the next 50 years, we would look at creating our own niche markets and price away from supply push towards a demand pull.
Funding for research, I feel, should not be restricted. There should be some sort of allocation for private industry to get more involved in research. Most certainly, as we go into feeding co-product and so on, we need to look again at re-establishing some funding for applied production research.
Technology transfer is a huge issue. Centralized research information and centralized technology transfer is a huge issue.
But again, at the end of the day I think education may be even more important than innovation in agriculture, if we want to attract new entrants.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.