(Wines&Vines) - Canada’s federal government has pledged to re-invest in agricultural research stations across Canada as part of an ambitious, decade-long investment in the nation’s infrastructure.

The promises amount to more than $90 billion over the course of the next 10 years, a timeframe that is twice as long as the term of the newly elected government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who swept to power in October on a tide of discontent with how his predecessor, Stephen Harper, handled an array of social issues.  Many of the initiatives of the new government have sought to alter, if not outright reverse, the policies of the previous regime.

With respect to agriculture, the new government embarked on a public consultation regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership, for example, which was finalized during last fall’s election campaign (the government has since signed the deal, but ratification by lawmakers has yet to occur). It also lifted previous restrictions on public communications by federal scientists, restoring their independence and creating a more liberal and open environment in the public eye.

However, all eyes were focused on this week’s budget to see if the government was willing to bolster the resources scientists receive. (Unlike the extended budget negotiations in Washington D.C., budget day in Ottawa is an annual event that provides the country a view of how the ruling party is managing the nation and economy; governments have been known to fall when the budget legislation goes to a vote.)

$54 million in investments

With an emphasis on the importance of “public agricultural research” and “federal support for fundamental science,” the new government’s first budget promised $54.1 million in new investments over the next six years for both research and research infrastructure.

The line items include $31.4 million in cash for the rehabilitation and modernization of research stations and labs across the country, including British Columbia, home of the Summerland Research and Development Center (formerly the Pacific Agri-food Research Center), and Ontario. According to the budget document, “In addition to ensuring that these assets are in a good state of repair, this investment will facilitate advanced biological and environmental research through the procurement of state-of-the-art scientific equipment.”