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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1998-03-18, Page 77MUM Farm Progress '98 - Page 21A Research a major factor in agri-food export success rmcrs should he glad opposites attract. The purity of science and the pragmatism of commerce may seem like odd bedfellows. But when the two wind up in the sack, good things happen for Canada's agri-food industry. Export statistics show the agri-food sector has been competing and doing quite well on the interna- tional scene. The agri-food indus- try's goal was to expand exports to at least $20 bil- lion by the year 2000 and regain a 3.5 per cent shah; of world agn-food trade. Exports reached $20.02 billion in 1996 and contin- ued strong in 1997 rising 4.4 per cent to $20.9 bil- lion. The rise in national stats is mirrored in Ontario where exports rose 5.2 per cent from 1996 to hit $5.49 billion in 1997. To complement this, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in searching out markets for agri-food products. It designated 1997. as Canada's Year of Asia- Pacific and a Canadian trade delegation focused on drumming up business in countries like Singapore and Malaysia. This year has been marked the year of Latin America and the- govcrn- m e n t arranged for a delegation of buyers from countries like Brazil and Argentina to tour Canada and meet with agri-food industry reps. The Government is also working on arranging for a Canadian trade delegation to tour Latin America this September to drum up husiness f o r Canada's agri-food industry. "This kind of aggres- sive mar- keting wouldn't work if Canada didn't have the high quali- ty products to back it up." says Louise Hunt of Agriculture and Agri -Food Canada's Market and 1998 - the year of Latin America Head 1. s i a� ; . -. Lmai. cook', U;Ut; : t t. Web site NVWs,•.cnr,ks (lentrall, ;-. !-tense: hrrkto?. .- mberit, ,Atwood ; Parkhdi t ;' Division of Parrish Heimbecket. industry Services Branch. That's where science comes in. Departmental core research is mainly focused on the Tong -term well- being of the agri-food sec- tor. New or improved products stemming from extensive scientific research programs often lead the way into emerg- ing markets. "Research ensures the product matches the demands of the market- place. It's a tool to link the product and the market," says Gilles Rousselle of Agriculture and Agri -Food Canada's Research Branch. "When new mar- ket opportunities arc iden- tified, we can help the sec- tor tap the potential that's out there." For example, Agriculture and Agri -Food Canada researchers at the Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research C. ntre in Harrow, Ont., have devel- oped new varieties of soy- beans to suit niche mar- kets in Japan. The new soybean varieties have paved the way to a dra- matic increase in soybean exports. LYNN LOWRY RR #1 KINCARDINE. ONT. IAMBERL: FARM SYSTEMS LTD. 395-2615 1 Sales • Parts • Service Headquarters for JAMESWAY: (Butler) Silo Unloaders, Feeders, Conveyors, Electronic Scales, Nesseth Manure Pumps mow : Manure Equipment - Gutter Cleaners, Chain and Cable Freestall Cleaners, Replacement Chain .- all types, Underground Transfer Systems, Liquid Manure Agitators and Pumps - (PTO & Electric). Liquid Spreaders & Injectors, Steel Building Trusses BSM Ltd: The Leader in AH Types of HOG and DAIRY Confinement Equipment WESTEEL: Grain Bins, Feed Tanks. Sttr-rator Drying Bins, Superb Continuous Grain. Dryers FARMATIC: Feed Processing Equipment SUDENGA: Computerized Feed Processing Systems Agri -Metal: Round Bale Chopper/Blowers, Motorized Feed Carts, Bedding Choppers, Rollers, Hammermills, Augers, Computerized TMR Mixing. LUCK/NOW: Stationary And Mobile TMR Mixers WINGHAM AREA CALL. JOHN THOMPSON. Sales Rep. 357-2018