Think tank to advise on agricultural policy

The federal government has struck an arm’s length institute to advise on policy and innovation issues related to the agriculture and agri-food sectors.

The Canadian Agricultural Policy Research Institute will be chaired by Gaétan Lussier, former president of Weston Bakeries Quebec and current chair of the federal government’s external advisory committee on smart regulation. Members will also be recruited from academia and industry, including those with expertise in economics, business management and S&T.

The institute’s mandate is to look at alternative solutions to emerging issues before they become problems, provide balanced views on difficult issues, and provide advice and a third voice – apart from industry and government – when policy decisions are made. The institute will also offer a forum to bring research results and expertise from academia, industry and other research organizations into the policy debate. As part of this work, the institute will synthesize existing policy research, identify gaps in knowledge, define research priorities and commission key research projects.

An independent board of directors will oversee the organization and will appoint a president and officers to manage day-to-day operations.

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