Futurist predicts Canadian agriculture will reclaim place of honor

OTTAWA, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Futurist and economist Dr. Jay Lehr says Canadian agriculture is poised to once again be held in high esteem by Canadians as farmers and their partners set the record straight about the ways in which farming helps make our food safer and healthier.

"Agriculture was revered by the public but it lost some of its prestige as a result of the misinformation that exists about the modern tools that are part of today's farming reality," Lehr says. "By speaking with one voice, the ag sector is making it clear that the inputs they use are all aimed at improving our quality of life and the quality of life of those around us."

Lehr, who has five decades of experience in agricultural economics, agronomy, environmental science and business administration, will combine his deep understanding of both science and economics to describe the impact of advancing technologies on local, regional, national and global economics at the 2010 GrowCanada(R) conference.

"As we watch the world population grow and the level of affluence around the world increase, we know that the demands on agriculture are only going to intensify," said Kamel Beliazi, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience Canada, sponsor of Dr. Lehr's presentation. "Canadian agriculture is ready to meet those demands because our producers operate with the safest, most effective technologies the world has to offer."

GrowCanada is a partnership of agriculture's most influential associations that works together to ensure Canada is a world leader in providing new products and solutions for agricultural, nutritional, healthy, energy and environmental challenges in Canada and around the world. The annual GrowCanada conference celebrates the role of agriculture in bettering the lives of Canadians.

Dr. Lehr will speak Wednesday, December 1 at 10:50 a.m. at the Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive.

Media are invited to attend any part of the conference which is being held November 30 - December 2, 2010.

A full listing of conference speakers can be found at www.growcanadaconference.ca

For further information: Nadine Sisk, cell: 613-218-6063, [email protected]