The Canadian wheat sector is an economic powerhouse that produces about 4% of the world's total supply of wheat and durum and accounts for about 13% of total volume of world exports. As global demand for Canadian wheat grows, it is imperative for the Canadian wheat sector to be ready to meet that demand and contribute to global food security, while becoming more resilient to climate change impacts. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting projects that help produce more food with a smaller environmental footprint.
Today, at the 2024 Canadian Crops Convention, Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $11.2 million in funding to the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition. Funding is provided through the AgriScience Program - Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The Cluster aims to drive innovation in Canadian wheat production, while ensuring profitability and sustainability. Among other research activities, the Cluster will explore best management practices and new genomics tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), accelerate breeding, and increase wheat production resilience in response to evolving threats like pests and diseases associated with climate change.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has partnered with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and other government departments in support of the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy. This investment is an example of the commitment to supporting businesses and communities across the Prairie provinces and seizing new opportunities to grow Canada's globally competitive economy sustainably.
