LAKE COUNTRY - Producers will have the opportunity to increase their profits while benefiting the environment, thanks to a partnership between industry and the Governments of Canada and British Columbia.

Member of Parliament Ron Cannan (Kelowna-Lake Country), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of over $220 000 to the Government of British Columbia to study how the integration of trees, forages, and livestock can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to increased productivity.

"Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and Canada's agriculture industry plays a vital role in keeping our economy strong," said MP Cannan. "Farmers have always been excellent stewards of the environment, and this investment is a great example of how our Government is helping farmers boost their bottom lines while constantly mitigating their impact on our environment."

This investment will be used to establish an operational-scale silvopasture pilot in the Southern Interior of B.C. Silvopasture systems, the practice of combining forestry with forage and livestock production, support greater biological and economic diversity, as well as provide environmental benefits. It is expected that this project will generate new beneficial management practices that improve riparian stewardship, address impacts of livestock grazing on water quality and quantity, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Other stakeholders will also benefit as silvopasture systems can potentially reduce wildfire risks.

"B.C. producers are internationally respected for their sustainable production methods, and this silvopasture project further supports that reputation of excellence," said B.C. Minister of Agriculture Don McRae. "In addition to the environmental and community benefits of agroforestry, B.C.'s Agrifoods Strategy identifies it as an area that research and marketing can build increasing product awareness and demand."

This project is supported through the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP), a five-year, $27-million initiative that focuses on the development of on-farm greenhouse gas mitigation technologies. The AGGP will provide funding to various partners across Canada to investigate innovative mechanisms, tools, and approaches that provide real solutions for the agriculture sector.

The AGGP is Canada's initial contribution to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, an international network of more than 30 member-countries that coordinates and increases agricultural research on greenhouse gas mitigation and makes new mitigation technologies and beneficial management practices available to farmers. For more information on the Global Research Alliance, visit: http://www.globalresearchalliance.org/

For more information, media may contact:

Sharon Dean
Communications Manager
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613 773-7972
1 866 345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613 773-1059