Funding for 42 agriculture projects

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced nearly $6.9 million for crop-related research through the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). The funding is being awarded to 42 projects.

“Our government is proud to continue making investments in crop-related research that will increase the profitability and competitiveness of Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers,” said Ritz.  “These projects will have a range of benefits for farmers, from improved varieties to increased disease and weather resistance.”

“Investments in research have long-term benefits for the agriculture industry, leading to the increased competitiveness of our industry in the global marketplace and better returns for our producers,” Stewart said. “I look forward to the new tools, knowledge and technology that will result from this year’s ADF projects.”

This funding is part of the $26.7 million Government of Saskatchewan agriculture research budget for 2014-15.

Projects to receive funding this year include studies to improve lentil varieties, enhance wheat midge resistance in wheat, decrease oil losses from canola dehulling, and reduce the risk of pathogen contamination on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Third party funding is a key component of many ADF projects. A large number of industry partner organizations contributed $3.4 million in additional funding to the crops-related projects announced today.  Almost two-thirds of this funding is being provided by Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) although there are many other partners as well, including the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

“Producers are committed to agricultural research because we know the knowledge and tools it provides, which are vital for our continued success,” WGRF Board Chair Dave Sefton said. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the federal and provincial governments in order to maximize the benefit of producer research investments.”

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.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF.