Government of Saskatchewan : Crop Research Receives $7 Million in Government Funding to Advance Industry

Released on January 12, 2016

Today the federal and provincial governments announced $7 million for crop-related research through the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). The funding extends to 40 research projects.

'Investments in research are key to advancing Canada's agricultural sector,' said Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. 'Staying ahead of crop diseases and pests, and developing ways to adapt new crops to Saskatchewan's environment will result in long-term benefits for farmers.'

'Agriculture is a key driver of the economy in Saskatchewan and it plays an essential role on a global scale,' Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. 'People around the world rely on our province for high-quality food. Investing in research is vital to ensure our producers are growing what the world needs in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.'

Examples of the projects receiving funding include researching the impact of drought and heat during flowering on canola yield, the screening and management of Fusarium Head Blight and improving wheat, lentil, faba bean and canaryseed varieties, to name a few.

The funding is bolstered as a result of support from industry partner organizations. As a key component to ADF projects, producer involvement and funding is critical to the success of research projects. Commodity organizations provided additional funding of nearly $2.8 million to the crop-related projects, with the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) providing nearly half at $1.1 million. Significant funding was also provided by the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission.

'The research community ensures we remain competitive and efficient,' WGRF Board Chair Dave Sefton said. 'Collaboration between government, universities and producers is critical to the success of these projects and the growth of our agriculture sector.'

Funding for ADF projects is provided under Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. A complete list of funded projects is available at www.saskatchewan.ca under Agriculture Development Fund.

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For more information, contact:

Sarah Hein
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: [phone]
Email: 306-527-9102

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: [phone]