Soy Canada Executive Director Jim Everson says the federal government's focus on innovation in last week's budget is important to the soybean industry and for agriculture in general.

Everson also commended the Liberals' commitment to trade and getting agriculture products to market.

He said the government's intention to prioritize trade with key Asian markets will be important.

"That's really critical to the growth of soybeans in western Canada," commented Everson. "China is a large market for soybeans and just recently we've been on a mission to Indonesia and to Japan, both important markets, and Asia is really where the growth markets are for soybeans."

Soy Canada says other budget highlights related to the agriculture sector include investing in rail and transportation projects, and supporting Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The group notes that the items identified in the 2017 plan are positive steps towards unleashing the growth potential of the Canadian agriculture sector.