Ottawa, Canada
November 19, 2008
Canada’s seed sector is a key
economic driver, contributing $3.95 billion in economic
activity, employing over 14,000 Canadians and attracting over
$569 million in international sales.
A new study, commissioned by the
Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) examined the economic
contribution of Canada’s seed sector including plant breeding
and research, seed production and processing and marketing and
distribution. The results of the study were released today at
their semi-annual meeting in Calgary.
“Canada is a principal producer of high-quality seed,” says Jeff
Reid, President of the CSTA. “This study reveals how this sector
is fuelling our economy, creating jobs for knowledge workers and
providing innovations to meet the challenges facing agriculture
today.” Of the 14,228 Canadians employed in 2007, more than
3,000 were highly-skilled plant breeding staff including
scientists, biotechnologists and technicians. In addition, a
large number of these jobs are located in small regional centres
and rural communities helping Canada’s rural fabric thrive.
As well as investing in the domestic economy, the industry
aggressively pursues export markets. With $569 million in
international sales, the sector makes substantial contributions
to Canada’s global export position, marketing seed products and
services to numerous countries including China, Japan, India,
the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.
In 2007 alone, Canada’s plant breeding and research segment
contributed $361 million to the domestic economy, with the
production of new varieties for sale in Canada being a primary
driver. “Continued investment in seed innovation is critical as
agriculture is facing some of its greatest challenges – from
climate change to food security for rapidly growing
populations,” says Reid. “An environment conducive to investing
in leading-edge science for both traditional plant breeding and
biotechnology is essential.”
Headquartered in the nation’s capital, the Canadian Seed
Trade Association (CSTA) represents the interests of 132
corporate members engaged in all aspects of seed research,
production and marketing, both domestically and internationally.
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