The Science and Innovation Strategy announced by the minister last year, in May 2006, sets out, for the first time in decades, a strategic orientation. Discussions are also currently under way on the Agriculture Policy Framework. Consultations are currently being held. The Agriculture Policy Framework will also guide our research activities.
We worked together with stakeholders, such as producers, producers' associations and processors, to develop the May 2006 Science and Innovation Strategy. We consulted representatives from all sectors of the agricultural and agri-food industry.
In the fall, we also plan to begin running foresight exercises: this will allow us to carry out long-term risk assessments and to ensure that we undertake the necessary research to be prepared for any forecast eventualities. It often takes between 5 and 15 years to reap the benefits of research. Long-term research is needed. We have to carry out this research in order to be able to cope with different scenarios in the future.