Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced more than $7.4 million in crop-related research funding from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) on January 11. The record amount of ADF crops funding is being awarded to 42 crop-related research projects in 2011.
"These research projects will keep Saskatchewan farmers on the leading edge of technology and production," Ritz said. "These projects will also benefit producers' bottom line by helping them lower input costs, control crop disease and increase yields."
"This funding is an investment in Saskatchewan's agriculture industry and the future of this province," Bjornerud said. "This funding will help keep Saskatchewan at the forefront of crop production and research, and result in long-term benefits for producers at the farm gate."
Crop-related research projects that will receive funding in 2011 include weed control management in lentils; improving yield and drought tolerance in peas; the genomics of clubroot disease development in canola; identifying barley varieties with fusarium head blight resistance; improving hard white wheat to meet changing quality requirements; improving the colour of Canadian durum wheat for premium pasta markets;developing higher yielding mustard varieties; and breeding grapes and apples with emphasis on juice products and rootstocks.
In addition to this $7.4 million in research funding, the provincial government is continuing to provide $1 million in annual operational support to the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan.
"Research plays a valuable role as the pulse industry continues to grow," Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Murray Purcell said. "We are pleased the federal and provincial governments are providing this funding which will benefit producers in areas such as improved weed control and increased yields."
"Our organization is committed to research programming that addresses the issues affecting our producers' profitability," Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission Chair Wayne Bacon said. "Having a better understanding of clubroot and how to control it, improving insect resistance and increasing the use of canola in the bio economy are important areas for research and development."
"Research is a priority for our members and key to the success of producers," Western Canadian Wheat Growers Saskatchewan Vice-President Geoffrey Hewson said. "This funding will lead to new innovations and technologies that will help producers remain competitive in the global market and increase their returns."
ADF provides funding to help institutions, companies, and industry organizations conduct research, development and value-added activities that will benefit Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. A complete list of all projects is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF.
This ADF funding is being provided under the federal-provincial Growing Forward framework.
