AAFCs International Role in Science and Innovation

CGD- International Science March 2005- Genetic ResourcesDr Campbell Davidson, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, International ScienceOttawa, Ontario, Canada

Overview Agenda

The AAFC International Science Team and what is their key role?An overview of objectives and ideas relative to International agriculture research issues.

International Issues and concernsAccording to the United Nations Development Programme:World population is 6.3 billion people: by 2025: an estimated 7.8 billion peopleCurrent estimates of World resource allow for 2780 cal per person per day. Minimal requirement is 2300 cal. Distribution and Production issues remain an issue2.8 billion people dont have access to the minimal calorie requirementsPotential Solutions: Innovation, training, economic growth, North-South technology transfer, Examples of concerns: Water resources, soil sustainability, biodiversity availability

S&T investment at the International level

The Prime Minister of Canadas Advisory Committee on Science and Technology: International S&T activities are necessary for advancing knowledge, creating wealth and improving quality of life.Researchers should collaborate and exchange scientific information with other countries: to help stay abreast of the latest scientific developmentsResearchers should be encouraged to participate in collaborative research projects - team effectiveness and efficienciesGovernments need to effectively participate in and contribute to international scientific forums to make good decisions regarding science-based issues

A Broad Vision for Science The AAFC International Science Team and what is their role?

Facilitating Linkages to World Science:

- To enhance the knowledge base and

- Contribute to World Wellness

AAFC current involvement in International science collaboration requires a National focus:54 Science MOUs with 38 countries Over 50 foreign organisationsOver 300 on-going bilateral and multilateral scientific projectsAAFC provides expert advice and program delivery to CIDA and IDRC projectsExpertise directed towards International Societies, Journals, Universities and ConferencesKey involvement with several inter-governmental organisations such as OECD, FAO, IICA etc

AAFC Science and Innovation Strengths - Potential Areas of Collaboration

Major Research areas within AAFCSustainable production: Crop Science (cereals, potato, canola), Animal Science, Soil and Water management;IPM: Bio-control, emerging diseases, alien invasive species;Food: Storage and processing, meat science, post-harvest handling;Biodiversity: Genetic resource collections and genebanksBiotechnology: Genomics, molecular characterization, bio-products

Reflecting key National Programs within AAFC

Four Main working objectives for International Science Group We have interpreted our Prime Ministers directions into four different avenues:

Science to Science collaboration

Science for market and trade

Science directed towards developing country issues

Science directed towards International obligations

Science to Science

To enhance science and innovation; Exchanges and cooperative projects;Often on a scientist to scientist basisSharing work experiences Generally short term projectsLearning and developing new techniquesCapacity building on both sidesPost Doctoral Programs;Helping to train the next generation.

Enhancing AAFC science and innovation and helping to brand Canada for excellence

Science for Market and Trade

Support Canada market and trade development

Supporting the export and utilization of Canadian productsValue added productsFunctional foodsNutraceuticals

To provide science expertise to address developing countries issues

Provide science expertise to address needs of developing countries

Provide expertise for developing country issuesInitial focus on sustainable production and food safety and qualityCritical information for decision makingFood Security and Food Safety are critical issues Canadian target of 5% of our R and D budgetPriority countries for assistance since our programs have limited resources

Cooperating with Inter-governmental organisations to increase world wellnessTo cooperate with multi-lateral organisations to increase world wellness (e.g. FAO, CGIAR, CBD, IICA) Helping to meet Canadas and AAFCs international obligationsIntergovernmental commitments such as:FAO FAO - Commission on Genetic ResourcesCommittee on AgricultureInternational Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and AgricultureFuture Harvest Centres of the CGIAR funded through CIDAScientific value and cooperation to the world (e.g. CABI) and the region (IICA)Access to knowledge or material exchange (GBIF)

Global Biodiversity Information Facility AAFC+7 DepartmentsPhysical and virtual collections used for science and taxonomic identificationMembershipOutcomeProvide access to data basesScience CollaborationEconomic value for producersGlobal Information access - GBIFChief-scientist\pres2004-10-03_AAFC Science policy-brief

Research and Technical Cooperation Examples in the America'sRecent examples - Multi-country and bilateral agreements in the America's (excluding the USA):Argentina Armenia Brazil Canada Chile Czech Republic South Africa Switzerland Syria USA - Improvement of codling moth SIT to facilitate expansion and field application - Duration: 2002-2007Argentina - Improvement of codling moth SIT to facilitate expansion and field application 2002-2007 Brazil - Improvement of codling moth SIT to facilitate expansion and field application and improved management of codling moth in Brazil 2001-2007Mexico Netherlands Peru Scotland USA China Ireland - Phytophthora infestans (potato and tomato late blight) population dynamics, genotype x environment interactions, host resistance and chemical control reduction 2002-2007Brazil Embryo transfer in milk cows 2001-2003Brazil - Study of the impact of pre-slaughter procedures on the welfare of pigs and pork quality variation at tropical climate conditions 2001-2005Chile - Nutrient and water requirements for new sweet cherry cultivars 2002-2006

Research and Technical Cooperation Examples in the America's - continuedRecent examples - Multi-country and bilateral agreements in the America's (excluding the USA):Mexico - Regulation of photoconidiation and mycelia growth in Trichoderma 2004-2009Columbia - Phylogenomics of Trichoderma (biocontrol fungi) from neotropical soils 2002-2009Brazil - Effects des acides gras sur la reproduction de la vache laitire 2002 2003Brazil - Transfert de chaleur en milieu poreux applicable aux produits horticoles frais 2002-2005Mexico, USA and Canada Dry bean genetic resources (NORGEN-PROCINORTE) 2004 - 2007All the America's Regional PGR Networks (IICA) and the Global Crop Diversity Trust - Plant Genetic Conservations Strategy Development 2005 on-going

ConclusionsThe AAFC International team is developing and implementing a new strategy for international science;Coordination of approaches and delivery through the Office of the Chief Scientist International Dr. Yvon Martel;Developing better assessment methods and internal governance for international science collaboration;Scientific cooperation is often completed on a bilateral basis; scientist to scientist or country to country;Increasing efforts for multilateral / multi-stakeholder collaboration due to the integrated nature of many of the issues.

Plant Genetic Resources A Conceptual Framework

Thank you for the opportunity to share information about our programs in Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaQuestions?Contact information:Dr. Campbell DavidsonAAFC International Science930 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0C5613-694-2521; 613-759-7771 (fax)cdavidson@agr.gc.ca