The global economy is undergoing profound transformation as shifting trade relationships, climate change and evolving supply chains place increasing pressure on Canada's food ecosystem. The Government of Canada is taking action to address food affordability, enhance competitiveness and strengthen our national security.
That is why, today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, on behalf of Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, joined by Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced a $50 million investment, through the Strategic Response Fund, in Natural Products Canada's (NPC) $94.8 million project to strengthen Canada's agri-food sector.
As an industry-led, not-for-profit organization, NPC is well positioned to work hand-in-hand with Canadian innovators and businesses to commercialize breakthrough agri-food technologies and accelerate their adoption across global markets. The government's investment will create overmore than 550 jobs, generate over $1.8 billion in GDP and help NPC establish a new Capacity Building Fund that will support investments in food-related manufacturing and processing capacity and strengthen domestic food production, supply chain resilience and food security.
Canada has the resources and talent needed to feed itself, fuel itself and defend itself. This investment is part of Canada's new National Food Security Strategy, which strengthens domestic food production, improveimproves access to affordable, nutritious food for Canadians and positions Canada as a global leader in sustainable agri-food innovation.
