Canada has announced an investment for two new potato research projects,aimed at strengthening the potato industry.
This announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament Mike Allen at the Centennial celebrations at the Potato Research Centre.
Minister Ritz said that these investments will benefit the potato industry,which is vital to the growth and future prosperity of the economy.
"As we celebrate 100 years of agricultural research here at the Potato Research Centre,this targeted investment in research and innovation will ensure that the government and industry continue to build strong,value-added opportunities for farmers here in Atlantic Canada and across Canada,"Ritz added.
Under the program,the Canadian Horticulture Council will receive nearly C$67,000($67,491.3)to consult with stakeholders and develop a Canadian potato strategy to help the industry identify short-and long-term research priorities.
BioAtlantech will benefit from C$185,000($186,357)in research activities to study the effectiveness of using mineral oils to prevent the spread of the harmful Potato Virus Y in potato seed crops.
These investments are from the Agricultural Innovation Program-a C$50m($50.36m)initiative announced as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2011.
