Thank you, Chair.
It is an important part of our work as a committee in looking at science and innovation and on how we can improve in the way we support science and innovation. I would like to ask the BC Fruit Growers' Association a question.
You received some funding, about $2.3 million. It went to the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation to focus on new apple and sweet cherry varieties. The research is not being conducted by the government per se. We are moving money to a corporation that is coordinating the research. I wanted to know your input on that because you've been talking about government shortages in government research. I would say, too, there has been discussion about industry. Their strength is being focused on the needs of the farmers at this time and in the near-term future, but also the commercialization of the research that is being conducted. I am wondering if you might have some comments on where you see money being spent most effectively. Is it through government research stations and channels? Is it leaning towards the more private corporations that would conduct it on behalf of industry and organizations?