Investment is more than $700,000
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
In an effort to improve quality and output of grains and oilseeds produced in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, the federal government is investing in the Atlantic Grains Council (AGC).
The investment, worth $792,064 will be used to conduct field trials. The trials will investigate ways to boost corn and soybean yields, solidify effective fungicide use and identify agronomic and weather factors that can possibly affect yields.
"I am very appreciative of our producers contributing to the research check-off fund, which has enabled the Atlantic Grains Council to partner with the federal and provincial governments to move forward with this important project,” said Allan Ling, Chair of the AGC. Our research is based on our producers' priorities and allows us to focus the region's research capacity, including Dal-AC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists, on these needs. I want to thank producers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Atlantic Provinces for all working together with us to sustain and grow our grain and oilseed industry in the region."
Here’s how the provinces compare in corn and soybean acreage according to Stats Canada.
Prince Edward Island
Soybean acres increased 351% since 2006 to 51,116 acres in 2011.
Corn acres have increased 151% since 2006 to 5,082 acres in 2011.
Nova Scotia
Corn acres increased 77% since 2006 to 13,701 acres in 2011.
Soybean acres are around 8,776.
New Brunswick
Corn acreage increased 142% since 2006 to 10,611 acres in 2011.
Soybean acres increased by 462% since 2006 to 10,600 acres in 2011.
"The grains and oilseeds sector is an important driver of the economy here in Atlantic Canada and across the country,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This investment will boost producers' bottom lines as well as contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sector in the Atlantic region.”
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