The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry has released it's report, "Innovation in Agriculture: The Key to Feeding a Growing Population."

The report, which focuses on research and innovation, contains 19 recommendations for improving the competitive advantage of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sectors.

Committee chair Senator Percy Mockler told reporters taking part in a conference call yesterday research and innovation is important in order to continue strengthen the position of Canada's agricultural sector.

Percy Mockler-Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry:

Once again farmers are being called on to adapt to changes and meet society's needs with little recognition.

The success of the agriculture sector is related to its acceptance of innovation and its ability to adapt to changing pressures.

Now with increasing pressure to produce more with less in a sustainable manner the importance of innovation is even greater.

Innovation is really about responding to change in a creative way.

Innovation can result from the transformation of knowledge, a new idea or technological breakthrough to improve or create new business or manufacturing products, services or processes.

Innovation must also create added value, it is a driving force for the development of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

This study also enabled the committee to highlight the need to improve training for farmers and public awareness of agricultural issues to attract new farmers in the sector and encourage consumption of innovative products.

Mr Mockler says the members of the committee are committed to promoting sustainable development, environmentally responsible farming methods and science based regulatory processes to guide the way forward in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.