By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Friday March 22, 2024

Mar 22, 2024 | 9:57 AM

The Alberta Government is establishing a new organization focused on agriculture research and crop development.

The Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) has been relaunched as Western Crops Innovations (WCI), a non-profit corporation with an interim board.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said the new structure will revitalize the organization, promote a renewed vision, and better position Alberta to meet the agriculture industry’s needs.

“It’s an exciting time for crop research in Alberta. Western Crop Innovations will carry on the Field Crop Development Centre’s substantial legacy, ensuring its work is addressing the issues farmers are facing in the fields,” Sigurdson said.

Starting on April 1, WCI will conduct the FCDC’s research, including its well-known barley breeding program. Its current programming will be reviewed, and where necessary, will be transitioned to ensure crop innovations support Alberta’s farmers’ needs.

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The interim board, made up of representatives from government and industry, will lead WCI and the transition process.

WCI Chair Jason Lenz said the new model will include integrated funding that connects government, industry, and post-secondary institutions.

“Considering my farm’s proximity and history with FCDC, I’m happy to help guide Western Crop Innovations to conduct research and development leading to commercialization of superior crop varieties that will benefit Alberta and western Canadian agriculture sectors,” Lenz added.

The anticipated cost of WCI’s first year is $3.5 million. Government will be contributing $3.2 million, with industry support to be determined.

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The Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Apr. 3 and 4 at the Stratford, Ont.

The milestone event is a chance for dairy producers to see the latest in global dairy innovations, grab a 4-H grilled cheese and milkshake, and experience Canada’s largest live dairy display from four leading genetic companies.

CDX will host the Calves for a Cause Sale to support the Children’s Hospital on April 3.

To commemorate the tenth anniversary, the Canadian Dairy XPO is pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Dairy Business Summit, a one-day high-impact CEO training for dairy producers.

The summit will take place on Apr. 2, the day before CDX and feature experts from Canada, the USA and Europe discussing the topics of building a dynamic team & retaining great players, artificial intelligence technology and future agricultural impacts, negotiation and decision-making strategies, Canadian Contract Law, investment diversification and a Dairy industry panel discussing strategic investing in the Dairy Industry.

It’s anticipated that 17,000 producers from over 30 countries will attend.

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Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) have named Myrna Grahn its Executive Director.

Grahn’s journey in the agricultural industry spans over thirty years. Hailing from a grain and cattle farm in Riding Mountain, Man. Grahn spearheaded initiatives such as the Manitoba Industry-Academia Partnership and the Manitoba Protein Advantage implementation phase, a collaborative strategy aimed at sustainable growth and global leadership in the protein industry.

Her previous roles, including leadership positions in government initiatives and the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, underscore her strategic wisdom and her dedication to driving positive change.

CAAR advocates for the agri-retail sector, encouraging initiatives that promote sustainability, innovation, and prosperity.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW