The Canadian and Saskatchewan governments have joined forces to allocate $14.7 million for crop research in 2024, with the objective of enhancing agricultural sustainability and competitiveness. Agriculture Ministers Lawrence MacAulay and David Marit announced this funding to support various research projects through two key initiatives:
Agriculture Development Fund (ADF): $12.2 million will be distributed among 56 ADF projects addressing diverse challenges. These projects include improving stress tolerance in flax, studying the impact of calcium-based products on soil and emissions, managing resistant weeds, and developing novel oat protein ingredients.
Strategic Research Initiative (SRI): $2.5 million will be allocated to a project led by Dr. Sabine Banniza at the University of Saskatchewan. This project focuses on finding solutions for root rot in pea and lentil crops, aiming to preserve and expand pea and lentil cultivation in the province. An additional $1.7 million from industry partners supports this initiative.
Both governments emphasize the pivotal role of research in supporting farmers and ensuring the long-term success of the agricultural sector. MacAulay highlights the potential of these projects to equip farmers with sustainable practices and methods to combat environmental challenges. Marit underscores the importance of research in achieving ambitious growth targets for the agri-food industry.
The ADF operates on a competitive basis, prioritizing projects with the potential to create growth opportunities and enhance sustainability. This year's funded projects cover a wide range of topics, showcasing the program's commitment to addressing diverse agricultural needs.
Additionally, the governments collaborate closely with industry partners to leverage funding and ensure research aligns with industry priorities. Various organizations contributed an additional $4.2 million to support this year's ADF research.
The SRI, focusing on tackling complex challenges through targeted funding, is exemplified by Dr. Banniza's project on root rot, aiming to develop solutions for a critical issue impacting pea and lentil production.
These investments in ADF and SRI are part of the larger Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to support Canada's agri-food sector. This partnership reflects a collective commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian agriculture.
For additional details on the funded projects and programs, kindly visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/