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Federal government investing in regulatory efficiency research for agriculture

April 14, 2008, London, Ont. – The
Government of Canada is investing $2,086,250 in a project to study the
regulatory environment in the agriculture sector with a view to
encourage competitiveness and prosperity.

April 14, 2008, London, Ont. – The Government of Canada is investing $2,086,250 in a project to study the regulatory environment in the agriculture sector with a view to encourage competitiveness and prosperity.

The federal contribution – announced April 12 at the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business – will assist the university in the five-year Agriculture and Agri-Food Project (AAFP) that will evaluate the impact of government regulation on the agriculture sector. The AAFP will help industry, government, academia and stakeholders to share knowledge, identify and address emerging issues, and provide advice and recommendations on regulations.
 
The AAFP will be coordinated by a regulatory impact chair at the Richard Ivey School of Business. Under the chair’s direction, the AAFP will:
Conduct research focussed on government policy-making and regulatory decisions, informed by the priorities of the sector;
Present research findings to media, government agencies, community groups, and the general public;
Hold annual workshops and seminars for industry, government, rural and academic stakeholders to discuss and identify regulatory solutions to critical agricultural and agri-food issues;
Produce teaching materials and executive training programs; and
Create an online platform for the sector to access information and network with colleagues and stakeholders.

The project will also engage business students at the school and expose them to agriculture and agri-food issues. It is an opportunity to develop a new generation of business managers to continue to lead the agriculture sector to sustainable profitability.

Funding is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the industry-led Agricultural Adaptation Council.