In the news
NEWS BITES THAT MATTER
Pioneer Hi-Bred expands operations in Canada
• Two new commercial units introduced
• New business directors named
• Canadian head office to relocate to Mississauga, Ontario
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, has announced the introduction of Eastern and Western Canada commercial units with responsibility for sales and marketing, production, and research. Pioneer, Canada’s leading seed company, also plans to add a number of positions over the next five years, including agronomists, research scientists, production technicians and sales professionals.
“As the world’s second largest country, Canada has a vast geography and varied growing conditions. The addition of two dedicated commercial units will deliver more focused and defined market approaches for our growers in the East and West,” says Ian Grant, president, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. “The ultimate goal is to position Pioneer even closer to our customers, providing unmatched levels of service.”
Bryce Eger has been appointed business director, Eastern Canada commercial unit, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. Eger joined Pioneer in 2009 as the national sales manager. Greg Stokke has been appointed business director, Western Canada commercial unit, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. Stokke joined Pioneer in 2005 as an account manager and most recently held the position of marketing manager for Western Canada.
In addition, DuPont recently indicated its commitment to invest $10 billion in research and development, and 4,000 new product introductions by the end of 2020 toward the accomplishment of its food goals.
For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com. •
Food and Farming action plan endorsed by Toronto city council
Toronto City Council’s Economic Development Committee has endorsed the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Action Plan 2021 which calls for a more integrated and coordinated approach to food and farming in the area.
The plan provides five broad strategies and numerous specific actions to revitalize the area’s food and farming cluster which contributes $12.3 billion to the provincial economy, and is the second largest cluster of its kind in North America.
This direct economic activity is estimated to contribute $35 billion annually to the Canadian economy. It addresses the serious challenges impeding its growth, including multiple and conflicting government policies and regulations, rising fuel costs, a lack of integration, urbanization, competition for land, gaps in infrastructure and traffic congestion.
The complete Action Plan and supporting materials are available at www.gtaaac.ca. •
Report confirms agriculture’s contribution to jobs and the economy
The agriculture and agri-food sector is becoming increasingly modern, innovative, and competitive, and it is becoming a more significant part of Canada’s economy.
As illustrated in An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System, an economic report released recently by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Canada’s agriculture industry is turning the corner from facing unprecedented challenges to meeting exciting opportunities.
“We have plenty to be proud of here in Canada when it comes to the sector,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “If we look back a few years, we see that our farms have become more modern, more productive, and more innovative.
We see that the industry has been restructuring and adapting to consumer demands, advancing technology, and other global trends.”
The annual overview report provides basic information about the agriculture and
agri-food sector, tracks how the sector has been performing over time, and reflects the challenges and changes that have occurred in recent years.
The report reviews in detail all segments of the sector, covering not only primary agriculture and input suppliers, but also food and beverage processing, food distribution, consumer trends, and government investment. This year’s report also included a special feature on employment trends in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system.
The report is produced by AAFC’s Research and Analysis Directorate. A more detailed abstract can be found online at http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1331319696826&lang=eng&src=hp. •
