REGINA — Both the provincial and federal agriculture ministers announced a new wave of crop research funding for Saskatchewan on Tuesday, to be delivered through the province’s Agriculture Development Fund.
Federal minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan minister David Marit shared that a total of $9.1 million in partnered funding will be given to 55 projects in 2022.
"Canada's crop sector has navigated a challenging year marked by extreme climate events with resilience and determination," said Bibeau. “Investing in science is essential to give our farmers the tools they need to realize our vision of a sustainable agriculture sector in Canada."
Marit said the funding will help feed innovative development in the province, as Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector is “uniquely well-equipped” to embrace the growth expected in the coming decade.
"Investments are only the first step; the real work is being done by researchers on a range of topics that will deliver long-term benefits for producers,” said Marit.
Funding from ADF will be provided to ongoing research that includes studying intercropping effects on diseased pulse crops, root rot mitigation in peas, and removing undesirable protein characteristics from canola, hemp and flaxseed.
The University of Saskatchewan will receive more than $5.4 Million for 33 approved projects, while Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will receive more than $2.2 million for 13 projects.
ADF project funding is competitive, awarded annually with a focus on areas of importance to Saskatchewan producers, said the announcement.
Oilseeds research will receive the most funding, with $3.5 million directed at 15 projects. Cereals research follows closely, with $2.3 million allocated for 15 projects, and pulses research with $1.3 million for nine approved projects.
An additional $4.1 million in funding has also been promised to 10 industry partners for co-funded projects, including the Western Grains Research Foundation, Saskatchewan Oat Growers Association and the Manitoba Crop Alliance, among others.
"It is evident from the substantial investment by WGRF, and all industry partners, that producers are committed to investing in agricultural research," said WGRF chair Dr. Keith Degenhardt. "We know the knowledge and tools research provides are vital for our continued success.”
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership operates the ADF, as part of a five-year and $3 billion investment agreement including federal, provincial and territorial governments.
Federal shares total 60 per cent of the $2 billion commitment specifically to provincial projects, including the $388 million investment in initiative for Saskatchewan agriculture.
