Key Takeaways:
- Investment Announcement: The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing over $1.3 million in Assiniboine Community College (ACC) for horticulture production enhancement through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Focus on Sustainability and Innovation: This funding aims to promote sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, focusing on protective system technologies and cutting-edge research in horticulture.
- Extension of the ‘Field to Fork’ Initiative: The investment builds on the success of the previous’ Field to Fork’ funding, which achieved significant outcomes, including a 400% increase in student enrollment and the development of new technologies.
- Research and Education Prioritization: The funding will support ACC’s applied research and extension programming, fostering agricultural education, innovation, industry collaboration, and research.
- Benefits to Local and National Agriculture: The initiative is expected to bolster Manitoba’s horticulture sector, ensuring its competitiveness and sustainability while addressing broader issues like food security and climate change adaptation.
Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Canadian and Manitoba governments have announced a substantial investment of over $1.3 million to Assiniboine Community College (ACC) over five years. This funding aims to revolutionize horticulture production through innovative and sustainable practices, as federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness in Agriculture
Minister MacAulay emphasized the critical role of research, education, and training in agriculture for maintaining Canada’s standing in the global market. He highlighted that the investment in ACC would enable Manitoba farmers to meet the increasing global demand for high-quality products while reinforcing food security domestically.
Building on Success: From ‘Field to Fork’
This new funding is a progression from the successful ‘Field to Fork’ initiative, which surpassed its student enrolment targets by over 400% and created multiple new technologies. The investment will bolster ACC’s applied research and extension programming, integrating agricultural education with innovation, industry collaboration, and research.
Tackling Future Challenges in Agriculture
Minister Kostyshyn noted the importance of innovative approaches in agriculture, acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change and environmental protection. The funding will enable ACC to develop new products, technologies, and business processes, addressing horticulture challenges and catering to the needs of the industry and community.
Pioneering Research Projects at ACC
ACC is engaged in several groundbreaking projects, including research on high tunnel crop production and passive greenhouse settings. These initiatives aim to extend the crop growing season in Manitoba, reduce production costs, and provide communities with local food supply options. ACC also explores crop resilience to extreme weather and collaborates with northern Indigenous communities to develop adaptable growing systems.
Commitment to Sustainability and Food Security
Tim Hore, Dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at ACC, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, emphasizing its role in expanding their efforts towards sustainability and food security. This support enhances student opportunities in real-world professional experiences and promotes knowledge transfer and innovation.
Ensuring Competitive Advantage
The ministers underscored the necessity of this innovative research program for the growth, profitability, and sustainability of Manitoba’s horticulture industry. Such initiatives are necessary for the region to stay caught up in other North American horticultural-producing regions.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
This initiative is part of the more extensive Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This partnership includes $1 billion in federal programs and a $2.5-billion commitment cost-shared between the federal and provincial-territorial governments, supporting Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
This investment marks a significant step in enhancing Canadian agriculture’s efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness, particularly in the face of changing environmental and economic landscapes.
