Thank you very much.
With any product, I think farmers are innovators, whether government is involved or not, but it's essential when your competition is the world today. That's what our competition is.
There had been a major reduction in science, research and innovation over the last number of years, and since we came into power, we have invested $100 million in science and research. That's vitally important.
If you do not have that, you're not on the cutting edge. Quite simply, if you cannot produce a top-quality product with less fertilizer and less water, and take care of the environment.... That is also taken into consideration when you're dealing with countries around the world, including China. The environmental impact is quite important. However, it also involves the farmer's pocket.
Quite honestly, what we have to do with science and innovation is to make sure that we produce the right seeds that can grow with less fertilizer and less water. That means less cost for farmers, and that's vitally important.
Of course, with the science and research over the years, we have great scientists. Canola was developed here. The canola seed was developed in Canada. When I had the honour of being appointed minister, I believe the exports of canola to China were worth about $2 billion. Now, that's up to $3.75 billion, or something in that line. That's a lot of money. That puts a lot of money into the pockets of farmers, and the demand is growing.
The middle class is growing in China. The middle class is growing in the Asian communities. There's more money for them to buy the products that we can produce. We have to make sure that we produce safe, top-quality products.
What is vitally important is safe food. The world demands safe food. That's why the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the certification of that agency are so vitally important for exports around the world. We have the top ranchers and farmers in the world; truly, we do. They have a great clip on how the beef is produced—the rolling lands, the clear water—and the same with the fish. You have to do that, because people are concerned about how products are produced.