By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College to operate two agricultural centres in Alberta

Oct 15, 2020 | 12:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The province has announced a boost for research at Lethbridge College.

Details are being finalized for a $2 million agreement that will have the post-secondary institution manage the 200 acres and three pivots at the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre (AITC).

Additionally, the Brooks Greenhouse will be transferred as part of the college’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE).

Five staff members will be hired by Lethbridge College to manage the facilities.

The province noted that by working with the college, the AITC and Brooks Greenhouse will be able to offer scientists the ability to conduct research at a scale Alberta farmers can then apply in the field.

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The college will operate the facilities as workspaces for agriculture researchers from across the industry: post-secondary institutions, private industry and more.

“I’m happy to see Lethbridge College recognize the importance of this work. This agreement will create practical outcomes for Alberta’s agriculture industry,” said Devin Dreeshen, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

“With the kind of innovation resulting from this research, Alberta will continue to attract food processing investment that will help lead our economic recovery.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, said the agreement will help strengthen Lethbridge College’s research efforts, while offering a new way for students, researchers and industry members to work together on the AITC and CARIE facilities.

“This new environment will strengthen learning and research while also providing real-world instruction and research opportunities for Alberta’s agricultural industry,” Nicolaides said.

The announcement at Lethbridge College comes during a week of announcements from Dreeshen. On Wednesday, Dreeshen was at the University of Calgary announcing a boost for animal health research.

READ MORE: Research on animal health at University of Calgary receives financial boost

“As a hub for the agri-food industry in Alberta, I am thrilled that Lethbridge College will be home to more of the important research that supports producers not just in Lethbridge but across the province,” added Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf.

“Alberta’s government looks forward to continuing to grow and support the agriculture industry in this province.”

The province said under its new model, agricultural research in Alberta will result in many benefits for farmers, including higher profits, a more abundant food supply at a lower cost for consumers and ultimately, a higher quality of life in rural communities.

“We thank the Government of Alberta for its commitment to applied agriculture research in southern Alberta and its confidence in Lethbridge College’s ability to lead these operations,” stated Lethbridge College’s president and CEO, Dr. Paula Burns.

“This agreement will allow our Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship to build on its strengths and expand its work and relationships with the local agriculture industry to create new and innovative solutions that drive the industry forward and contribute to Alberta’s economic growth.”

The AITC is located just east of Lethbridge. It supports improved irrigation water conservation, efficiency and productivity with a focus on the adoption of technologies and agronomic practices.

The Brooks Greenhouse, meanwhile, provides a space for Alberta scientists to test crops and new technology on a commercial scale.