By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan farmers to benefit from agriculture research projects

Jan 11, 2022 | 2:54 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — New crop-related research projects in Saskatchewan will receive financial support from the federal and provincial governments as well as other agencies.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced a total of $9.1 million in funding today to support 55 crop-related projects through the province’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

Marit said the real work is being done by researchers on a range of topics that will deliver long-term benefits for producers.

“Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector is uniquely well-equipped to accommodate the kind of growth we’re anticipating in the decade ahead — not simply by increasing capacity, but also through innovation driven by academic research with strong support from industry partners,” Marit said.

Some of the approved projects will study the effect of intercropping on disease levels in pulse crops, research innovative ways to mitigate root rot in peas, and create strategies for removing undesirable characteristics of protein ingredients from canola, hemp, and flaxseed.

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The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has committed $3.34 million to 33 research projects. Sask Wheat Chair Brett Halstead said the ADF funding process allows producers to be involved.

“We are pleased to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan and collaborate with other ADF co-funders to invest in new opportunities for wheat producers and strengthen the future of Canadian agriculture,” Halstead said.

Wheat related projects include a study identifying traits linked to drought tolerance in wheat, research into a screening method to test and assess bacterial leaf streak in Canadian wheat germplasm, and an investigation into a new source of resistance to Fusarium head blight.

Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) is committing $6 million. Chair Dr. Keith Degenhardt said producers know the importance of investing in agricultural research.

“We know the knowledge and tools research provides are vital for our continued success. The ADF continues to provide a great forum for producer groups to collaborate and co-fund agricultural research that improves production and sustainability for Western Canadian producers,” Degenhardt said

Other industry partners providing financial support include Sask Barley, Sask Canola, Sask Flax, Prairie Oat Growers, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Alberta Wheat, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Mustard 21, and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR).

Support for these and other ADF projects is awarded each year on a competitive basis to researchers focusing on areas of importance to farmers and industry partners.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW