Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Investment: Canadian and Saskatchewan governments announce a $25 million funding for 15 strategic research chairs at the University of Saskatchewan.
- Research Priorities: The initiative will focus on enhancing crop genetics, livestock development, food, bioproducts, and environmental research.
- Sector Resilience: Aims to advance the resilience and competitiveness of the Canadian agriculture sector.
- Broader Framework: Part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a comprehensive five-year, $3.5 billion investment.
- Attracting Talent: The funding is intended to draw and maintain leading researchers in the agricultural field.
Funding Enhancement for Agricultural Research at University of Saskatchewan
The Canadian government, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan provincial government, has announced a substantial investment aimed at bolstering agricultural research. Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, together with David Marit, Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Minister, has committed $25 million to support the creation of 15 strategic research chairs at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Prioritized Research Domains
The funding is set to enhance USask’s research capabilities in several critical areas. According to Angela Bedard-Haughn, Dean of the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources, the investment will focus on crop genetic improvement, livestock development, food and bioproducts development, and environmental studies. These areas are strategically chosen to align with the needs of the agricultural sector, aiming to provide practical and innovative solutions.
Emphasis on Sector Growth and Resilience
Both federal and provincial ministers highlighted the importance of this funding in fostering long-term growth and resilience within the agriculture sector. Minister MacAulay noted the essential role of innovative research in maintaining a competitive edge, stating, “Investing in research is vitally important to the long-term resilience and continued growth of Canada’s agriculture sector.”
Minister Marit underscored the provincial commitment to backing evidence-based research, which he believes will “increase the competitiveness and resilience of Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector and our provincial economy along with it.”
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
This investment is part of the larger Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is a comprehensive five-year, $3.5 billion initiative supported by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This partnership includes $1 billion from federal programs and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially. The funds are designated for provincially and territorially designed and delivered programs, addressing specific local agricultural challenges.
Photo by Dan Loran on Unsplash
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