In summary, what steps should we be taking to help double our GDP growth in agrifood?
First, we need to invest in people. ACFAVM members are the suppliers of the human capacity required for innovation in agrifood. We can help develop policy to enhance our agrifood and veterinary capacity, including how best to attract top talent from overseas to support our Canadian economy.
Second, we need to make funding for both fundamental and applied agrifood research a clear and stated priority for all federal funding agencies.
Finally, innovative networks must include both businesses and academic sectors. Neither sector can do it alone. ACFAVM is a rejuvenated network among universities, but it needs better and stronger partnerships with government and industry. We need NCE-like platforms to make this possible.
Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. We're happy to address any questions on our proposals.