Agrifood organizations think the move will boost Canada's food export status.   Ottawa—The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will provide the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with an additional $162.6 million in funding during the next five years to improve its services to importers and exporters. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the funding “will bolster an already robust and effective regulatory system allowing CFIA to continue to respond effectively and quickly to import and export activities, perform surveillance and digitize forms and documents. “This funding will increase the CFIA's inspection, surveillance and oversight programs within Canada to respond to the detection of new food pathogens, invasive species and animal diseases that threaten Canada's agricultural and natural resources. CFIA digital services will also be expanded so that more Canadian exporters and importers can benefit from efficient and automated tools for risk management and inspection.” Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada welcomed the government's commitment to ensuring that Canada continues to have the best food safety system in the world. The emphasis on agility and responsiveness to supporting business with export certificates “is particularly encouraging. This funding and new tools will help better position Canada as a leading agri-food exporter and help us meet the objectives of Canada's ambitious international trade agenda,” said spokesman Anthony Fuchs. Kathleen Sullivan, CEO of Food and Beverage Canada, said, “It's critical we continue to invest in Canada's food safety system. Hopefully this funding will focus on ensuring continuity of service, not more/new regulatory compliance requirements. Canada's food processors have already risen to the challenge of producing food through a global pandemic. We encourage the federal government to focus on ensuring the food system remains strong and viable by addressing COVID related costs, the industry's innovation deficit, and on-going labour challenges.” Jackie Chricton, Executive Director of the Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety, said, “The timely delivery of science-based services by CFIA is key in maintaining and enhancing the integrity of Canada's food safety system - now and into the future.” One of the CFIA priorities is improving its digital services in response to the growing diversification of Canadian food exports. Last year, it issued 545,000 export certificates, double the number of seven years ago. Bibeau said the CFIA must be to protect the integrity of Canada's food safety system, protect the health of plants and animals to safeguard the food supply, and provide ongoing support to Canadian businesses in their export and import activities to overcome pandemic interruptions and global trade volatility. The new funding is a long-term investment to ensure a modern and effective food safety and plant and animal protection systems in the world, further enhancing Canada's reputation as a trusted trading partner. “Our Government is investing in the CFIA so that Canada continues to have the best food safety system in the world, with the best science to protect our natural resources and tools that help businesses keep up with the pace of trade,” she said. “It will help CFIA digitize their services and issue export certificates in a timely manner. It also means CFIA will have the tools necessary to guard our natural resources and agriculture sector from the threat of foreign pests and diseases.” Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.