Lethbridge College will take over the 200 acres and three pivots at the AITC as well as the Brooks Greenhouse, which provides space for scientists to test crops, the release said.
This agreement “will allow our researchers to expand on the work we're doing, but also allows them to get more students and staff into the work we're doing. We have a proposal with advanced education for a degree in ag technology. Having access to land and facilities will help us provide first-class opportunities for students to have experience in working facilities,” Corscadden told Farms.com.
Because these two facilities are public, it’s important they continue to support the ag industry in Alberta, said Corscadden.
“We're here to support the industry. We value further discussions with stakeholders, and welcome anybody interested in working with us or in access to the facility to contact me. I'd be happy to talk through some options. We want to ensure that this resource is used by industry – that's what it's there for,” he said.
This agreement between the province and Lethbridge College is part of the government’s commitment to ensure farmers lead agricultural research priorities. Eventually, Results Driven Agriculture Research, an arm’s length, non-profit organization, will manage funding responsibility for the program, the release said.
Photo credit: Lethbridge College photo