LACOMBE, Alberta, March 14, 2007 - Mr. Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, Alberta, on behalf of Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced that Canada's New Government will invest over $1 million in 8 research projects in Lacombe in 2007-08, and a total of $3.4 million for 37 projects in Alberta.

"Canada's New Government is proud to contribute to agricultural research projects in Lacombe, that benefit everyone-farmers, industry and all Canadians," said M.P. Calkins. "By conducting this Peer Review process, we are ensuring that projects are relevant, innovative and will help advance our country's agricultural sector in the areas of health, the environment and the bioeconomy."

The announcement was made at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research Centre in Lacombe, Alberta. Earlier this month, Minister Strahl announced the results of the external Peer Review of AAFC research proposals for 2007-08 and a federal investment of $22.1 million for 233 projects across Canada.

The funding announced today will go to projects such as:

• Developing a framework of genetic evaluation and improvement systems for economically relevant traits in beef cattle;
• Mitigating the impact of disease on the Canadian beekeeping industry and safeguarding honey as a food product for the Canadian consumer;
• Assessing the impact of straw harvest for biofuel feedstock and other uses on soil quality and crop production; and
• Developing a management system to support sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly malting and feed barley production systems using an integrated approach.

Canada's New Government launched the Peer Review process in 2006 to ensure future research projects are based on excellence in science, as well as the competitiveness of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will continue to submit future proposals to external Peer Review to uphold the credibility of its science and ensure sound investment of public funds.

For more information on the results of the external peer review process, please visit the AAFC Website (www.agr.gc.ca/research-projects).

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