Benefits to Canada
Norstar winter wheat, as it was created by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provides royalties that are filtered back into the government-run system (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2015). These royalties contribute to both the Canadian government and the country’s overall economy. With money being channelled into Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s monetary resources, more opportunities, such as research and product development, are possible with the financial sustenance provided through the selling and marketing of Norstar. This is one of the most significant benefits when it comes to Norstar.
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Another benefit to the exportation of Norstar to countries around the world is the ability to showcase to potential customers what Canada is capable of when it comes to plant genetics. Norstar is a hardy wheat seed that can survive very extreme conditions with low or below zero degree celsius temperatures. If other nations around the world experienced the benefits of winter wheat, especially Canadian winter wheat, they would realize the quality products that Canada produces and invest more money into obtaining agricultural commodities from our country.
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Lastly, exporting Norstar provides the opportunity for an increase in Canadian jobs. In order for Norstar seeds to be produced for the use of farmers worldwide, the product needs to be grown in a field with certain constraints placed on it. A grower is contracted by a seed company for the sole purpose of growing Norstar winter wheat (Fletcher, R., personal communication, November 19, 2016). The farmer contracted by the seed company prepares the fields for and tends the crops as outlined by the seed company in order for the wheat to mature in a strictly controlled setting. The crop is then harvested once it has completed the growth cycle. Seed companies process the seeds further and add appropriate additives such as herbicides. Bulk and packaged seeds are transported worldwide through various methods such as truck, train, or seagoing vessels (depending on the final destination) (Fletcher, R., personal communication, November 19, 2016). All of these steps require manpower, translating into viable jobs for Canadians both at home and abroad.planting,
