Canada’s new government injects $15 million to support independent agri-food policy research

WINNIPEG, January 23, 2007 — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced $15 million in support for the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).

CAPI is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization operating at arm's length from government to provide a neutral venue for input into agricultural policy-making. The Institute was established in February 2004 to serve as an independent voice on agri-food policy issues.

"As we look to the future of agriculture policy-making, we’re going to need the sort of policy research and broad-based dialogue that CAPI encourages," said Minister Strahl. "Canada’s New Government wants to bring innovative ideas to the policy table and this assistance will help CAPI accomplish this, to the benefit of our industry."

The $15 million announced today will allow CAPI to withdraw up to $1 million a year, plus interest income, through to 2022 to cover eligible expenses for undertaking policy research and promoting policy dialogue. It will also allow for the leveraging of additional funds from partners such as industry, provinces and the private sector to look at long term directions for the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Since its incorporation, CAPI has hosted one think tank session and two fora on factors affecting current and future farm income prospects and new directions for the agri-food sector. At these fora, more than 42 research papers were commissioned, presented and discussed by the broad group of academics, government and industry stakeholders who participated.

Media Coverage

• Minister Strahl speaks at the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute conference,
  Agriculture and Agri-food Canada