USask Welcomes Dr. Kate Congreves as Chair of Regenerative Agriculture

Key Takeaways

1. Dr. Kate Congreves has been appointed the new chair of the Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
2. The chair aims to strengthen Canada’s agriculture sector through leadership in regenerative agriculture, best practices evaluation, and new educational opportunities.
3. The chair’s research will focus on sustainable nitrogen management, soil health, and diversified cropping systems, and it will be funded by a $4 million endowment.
4. The Jarislowsky Foundation, BMO, and USask Greystone Heritage Trust support the initiative, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental benefits.
5. The newly established BMO Soil Analytical Lab at USask will facilitate Dr. Congreves’ research.

Dr. Congreves’ Appointment and Vision

Dr. Kate Congreves has been appointed as the new chair of the Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Her appointment marks a significant step forward for Canada’s agricultural sector, focusing on regenerative agriculture, sustainable practices, and student educational opportunities. Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn, dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at USask, emphasized the importance of this role, stating that it will help identify and evaluate best practices in regenerative agriculture, maximizing environmental benefits while maintaining and increasing food production.

Establishment of the Chair

The Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture was established with a $4 million endowment. This includes a $2 million donation from the Jarislowsky Foundation, $1 million from BMO, and $1 million from the USask Greystone Heritage Trust. This endowment aims to expand research capacity in regenerative agriculture at USask, reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Stephen Jarislowsky, founder and president of the Jarislowsky Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s long-standing priority of building a sustainable future. He expressed confidence that the research led by Dr. Congreves and her team will have a profound impact on agriculture, climate, and food production by advancing science and promoting sustainable farming practices.

BMO’s Support and Commitment

BMO has also shown strong support for the initiative. Allison Hakomaki, head of Agriculture, Public Sector and Emerging Industries at BMO, expressed pride in BMO’s clients who are among the most innovative producers in regenerative agriculture. She reiterated BMO’s commitment to sustainable practices, recognizing the importance of supporting initiatives like USask’s research in regenerative agriculture to ensure the resilience of farmers and the future of food in Canada.

Research Focus and Goals

Dr. Congreves aims to research sustainable nitrogen management for agroecosystems, focusing on understanding nitrogen cycling and developing effective management strategies. Her interdisciplinary research involves collaborations with experts in various fields to provide evidence-based recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in Canada. She also emphasizes regenerative agriculture, which aims to improve soil health and reduce negative impacts of inputs like nitrogen fertilizer through ecosystem-based crop production and diversification of cropping systems.