Ottawa, Canada
July 23, 2007
The private sector is a strong
investor in seed driven innovation in Canada. This is the
conclusion of a survey of its private sector member companies
conducted by the
Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA). The survey was
released at the CSTA’s 84th Annual Meeting in Ottawa,
The survey indicates that CSTA members will invest a total of
C$56.7 million in research and development in 2007. That is 6%
of total retail sales and fully 26% of the aggregate operating
budget of these members. CSTA members also report that they
employ 378 full time and seasonal researchers.
“The survey results demonstrate a tremendous commitment to
innovation in the Canadian agriculture and agri-products
sector,” said CSTA President Dorothy Murrell. “And the
commitment to the future is even stronger.” CSTA members report
that by 2012, they plan to be investing $106.4 million in
research and development.
The CSTA survey indicates that canola tops company investment in
2007, accounting for 74% of total investment. It is followed by
corn at 9% and soybeans at 7%. In 2012 companies expect to
invest 75% of their total research dollars in canola research
and development; 12% in soybean research and 9% in corn. While
CSTA member companies will invest 3.3 million (6% of the total)
in cereal research in 2007, that is projected to fall to 2.7
million or 2% of total investments in five years.
“Seed driven innovation is the past, present and future of the
Canadian agriculture and agriproducts sector,” said Murrell.
“Continued and expanded research improves productivity and helps
overcome environmental challenges for farmers. It contributes to
the health of the environment through the development of crops
that make better use of water, fertilizer and that require fewer
crop protection products. Seed driven innovation delivers the
specific qualities and traits required by end users and
processors, and brings health benefits to consumers. CSTA’s
members are proud of their accomplishments in the past and are
fully committed to the future.”
Headquartered in the nation's capital, the Canadian Seed
Trade Association (CSTA) represents the interests of 138
corporate members engaged in all aspects of seed research,
production and marketing, both domestically and internationally. |
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