Thank you.
I think the first Growing Forward policy framework, or Growing Forward 1, did present some interesting new programs, for example, the idea of science clusters around such key crops as canola. I think the first set of attempts was good, in that it pulled together groups of researchers, particularly from universities, Agriculture Canada, and other organizations, to start looking at some common areas.
Going into Growing Forward 2, we would like to see more focus in terms of how we can identify priorities that can keep Canada competitive. This is why we talked about actually creating some national technology centres that will allow Canadian researchers to be competitive with the new sets of tools that are rapidly being developed. As well, being able to focus on specific traits will make Canada more competitive in the emerging markets that we see in other countries.
I think there has been a reasonable start, but there is a need for improvement and focus going forward.