Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Of course I'm very pleased to see my colleagues and all the staff today, and to continue to work together for Canada's agricultural industry.
My thanks to the group of witnesses for being here.
My question is for representatives from both groups.
Ms. Fischbuch and Mr. MacLean, in your presentations, you mentioned how important research and development is in the industry. As we know, the goal was $75 billion in exports in the agricultural industry. Innovation in the agricultural and agri-food sector is an indispensable tool in its growth and development.
Could you please take turns, starting with Mr. Maclean, and tell us how important research and development is?
Could you also tell us how the government could be a better partner and contribute to this vector, which is really important and which gives rise to innovation and new technologies, to improve the competitiveness and productivity of our agricultural producers?