Innovating to increase cranberry production, and improving the manufacturing of recycled bedding

DESCHAMBAULT, QC, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is prioritizing science and innovation and the competitiveness of the agriculture industry as a whole to create better business opportunities for producers and Canadians.

Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, today announced the investment of $848,673 in two projects by the Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault (CRSAD). The objective of the first project is to increase the pollination efficiency of bees to achieve better yields in cranberry production. The second project aims to develop sustainable strategies for standardizing the manufacturing and use of recycled bedding in dairy production to improve the sector's environmental performance without reducing the profitability of businesses, as well as to respond to consumer concerns.

Funding of $183,127 will enable the CRSAD to identify the best method of feeding bees with sucrose syrup and to test variations of that method to maximize the bees' pollination efficiency in cranberry production. The outcomes of this project are designed to increase cranberry yields and decrease bee feeding costs.

With another $665,546 in funding, the CRSAD will be able to determine the best methods for manufacturing recycled bedding from manure and to make recommendations for the adoption of the best management methods, practices and technologies, with the welfare of animals and workers and the safety of products also taken into account. Dairy producers will be therefore able to reduce their operating costs and reuse or sell the energy produced by the biodigesters, which will provide farms with an additional income stream.

Quote

"These smart investments in research and innovation are part of the Government of Canada's ongoing effort to strengthen the agriculture industry. These projects at the Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault will enable our cranberry producers to be more competitive and help our dairy sector remain a world leader in sustainable development. Increased cranberry production and use of recycled bedding in Canada and around the world will strengthen our economy, create jobs and promote prosperity for all Canadians."
- Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"The CRSAD is very appreciative of the federal government's strong support for its research activities. Canada holds an enviable position in the world for cranberry production, and bees are major allies of the industry. Our project will deliver positive outcomes for both cranberry production and the bees themselves. For our other project, the investment in research to improve livestock housing conditions in the dairy industry will enable Canadian producers to differentiate themselves, be more competitive, improve their businesses and, especially, enhance their living conditions and those of their livestock."
- Jean-Paul Laforest, President, CRSAD

Quick facts

• In 2016, the Quebec cranberry industry generated nearly $82 million in market receipts and over $30 million in exports.
• In 2016, Canadian dairy production brought $6.17 billion to the farm gate, with 36.4% of that amount coming from Quebec. Exports in 2016 were $235.3 million nationally.
• The Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault is a not-for-profit research centre that provides animal science research and development services to universities and research groups in Quebec.
• The funding for these projects is being provided under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, which helps the industry seize opportunities, respond to new issues, and find or pilot solutions to new or existing projects so that it can adapt and remain competitive.

Associated links

• Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP)
• Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault(CRSAD) [in French only]

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada