Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 5238 Exploring ideas and views on all aspects of the seed industry. CHEF PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON PULSES FOR WORLD FOOD DAY Each year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations cel- ebrates World Food Day Oct. 16, and this year’s theme was “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too.” Events are organized in more than 150 countries to increase awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and the need to ensure food security and nutri- tious diets for all. Since 2016 was also the International Year of Pulses, Canada’s Chef Michael Smith encouraged consum- ers to take a climate-friendly approach to food by eating more pulses. “Every Canadian family can make a positive and immediate impact on our climate by eating pulses,” said Smith, who also served as Canada’s International Year of Pulses Ambassador. Pulses are an earth-friendly food. They have a low carbon footprint and are a water-efficient source of protein. They also improve soil health. AG PRODUCTIVITY STALLS, MORE WORK TO BE DONE For the third year in a row, global agricultural productivity growth has failed to meet its target, according to the 7th annual Global Agricultural Productivity Report, Sustainability in an Uncertain Season. The report warns that unless this trend is reversed, the world might not be able to sustainably provide the food, feed, fibre and biofuels needed. According to GHI, global agricultural productivity must increase by 1.75 per cent annually to meet the demands of an estimated 9.7 billion people in 2050. GHI's annual assessment shows the rate of growth is only 1.73 per cent. The rate of productivity growth for low-income countries is of special concern, as it is stagnating at 1.3 per cent, far below that required to meet food and agriculture needs in a sustainable manner. Global demand for food and agri- culture products is skyrocketing, driven by a growing population and middle class, yet in high-income countries, productivity growth rates have slowed and agricultural output has declined to levels not seen since the 1980s. This downward trend in productivity raises ques- tions about the health of agriculture. GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN GENOMICS Canadians feel the impact of global challenges such as climate change, disease and increasing competition. Genomics delivers new knowledge, tools and innovations that can be used to address these challenges, fuelling productivity, growth and medical breakthroughs. In mid October, the Canadian government announced $6 million in new federal funding for six genomic applications projects. An additional $13 million will be invested in these projects by partners including provinces, private and public sector organizations. Of the six projects funded, one recipient is Joerg Bohlmann of the University of British Columbia. He is working to more rapidly breed western red cedar trees with high-value attrib- utes that will protect this $1-billion industry from threats posed by climate change and pathogens. This important work will strengthen the resil- ience of our environment to threats posed by cli- mate change while supporting our industrial and agricultural sectors, said the Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science. “Canada’s biofuels industry has returned over $5 billion to the Canadian economy and created over 14,000 jobs since 2007. As a result ... our industry will provide a $3.7 billion net return on investment to the federal government.” — Jim Grey, Renewable Industries Canada board chair, in response to a recent report released by Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission