CANADA – The Canadian government has unveiled US$29.61 million (C$39.3 million) funding to enhance research and innovation in crops such as barley, wheat, diverse field crops and soybeans over the next five years.
The funding is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and comprises industry contributions worth US$21.40 million for a total of US$51 million.
“Demand for our field crops continues to grow and these investments in innovation and research will help position our farmers to grow top quality products sustainably, while meeting consumer demands at home and abroad for years to come,” said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The Barley investment, which goes to the tune of US$4.74 million will be led by the Barley Council of Canada with an aim to improve productivity in the science and technology of using barley for food and increase disease resistance.
It is meant to improve varieties, production practices and utilization for continued sustainability and profitability of the barley value chain.
Diverse Field Crop Cluster (US$10.32 million), led by Ag-West Bio Inc., will focus on variety development, crop protection, production agronomy and value-added practices to support diverse crop growth.
Crop diversity is essential for keeping Canada’s agricultural ecosystem healthy and productive.
The Diverse Field Crops Cluster research will develop these high-potential crops, and the markets to go with them.Farmers will have more high-value crops to choose from. The Diverse Field Crop Cluster will deliver both economic and environmental benefits for Canada.
Mike Cey, Ag-West Bio director of corporate initiatives
Canadian Wheat Research Coalition will lead the wheat cluster (US$10.48 million) with a goal to deliver higher-yielding wheat varieties to producers, and to develop the next generation of Fusarium Head Blight resistant varieties.
The crop diversity initiatives will be enabled through a collaboration between government, producers and industry to ensure sustainable agricultural production.
The Soybean Cluster (US$4.07 million) will help Canadian soybean crops become more resilient and productive, increase the geographic range for growing crops and benefit the environment.
The cluster will be led by the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance.
Continued research investment in enhanced crop performance that helps grow and secure Canada’s soybean market share worldwide is imperative.
Salah Zoghlami, president, Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance.
We are thrilled to see the Canadian government recognize the importance of research in soybean and other crop production to benefit Canadian farmers.
Today’s announcement is a great step in helping Canada maintain its global reputation for high-quality, sustainably grown crops.”
Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a US$2.26 billion federal-funded initiative to support sustainable and innovative growth, diversity and trade in the sector.