For Immediate Release
May 24, 2007

John Baird Announces $3.4 Million in Agricultural Projects in Ottawa

Environment Minister John Baird and Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada
Minister Chuck Strahl deliver for local research centre

(Ottawa) – John Baird, Member of Parliament for the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean, recently announced that Canada’s New Government will invest $3.4 million in 26 research centres to be undertaken at the Ottawa Agricultural Research Centre.

Baird, also the federal Environment Minister, was joined by Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Chuck Strahl at the Eastern Cereal and Oil seed Research Centre at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm. “Agriculture plays an important role in achieving long-term reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Baird. “Investments like these today in the agricultural industry are an important tool to create a healthier environment that will benefit not only Ottawa residents, but all Canadians.”

“Canada’s New Government believes that investing in research and development is important for a more profitable and sustainable agriculture that will benefit farmers, the agriculture industry and all Canadians,” stated Minister Strahl.

The announced funding will go to projects such as biodiesel use in agricultural equipment, adapting cropping systems to climate change, and developing techniques to quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Further information:
Office of John Baird, MP
Ottawa West-Nepean
613-996-0984