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AFC announces $11.49M in funding for agriculture research projects

Thirty-nine research projects have been awarded $11.49 million in funding via the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC). The AFC is a body comprised of 18 agricultural organizations that leverage and coordinate funding to support sustainability, diversification and long-term growth for agriculture and the food industry in Western Canada.

“This funding will have a significant impact on Alberta’s agriculture industry and directly benefit Alberta’s producers and processors,” says Nate Horner, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “It will benefit multiple sectors in every corner of the province, from livestock producers in the north to crop growers and food processors in the south.”

The $11.49 million investment, of which $7 million comes from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), will support targeted research projects promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing productivity, profitability and competitiveness across Alberta’s agriculture industry.

“RDAR is proud to be an AFC Member,” says Clinton Dobson, executive director, research of RDAR. “While RDAR directs funding to support research across all agricultural commodity areas, the AFC supports research funding to target specific areas of primary agriculture and foster sustainability, diversification, and long-term growth of agriculture and the food industry in Western Canada.”

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission also committed over $467,000 to four research projects funded through the AFC.

The 18 agriculture organizations of the AFC provide coordinated funding for research and innovation projects for agriculture and the food industry in Western Canada. With member representation inclusive of the major Alberta commodity groups, investment in AFC research priorities ensures funded research projects match the needs demanded by industry, ensuring the sector remains competitive.

This investment in these 39 projects will help ensure the latest research is applied to research priorities that directly impact Alberta Agriculture commodities such as livestock (bees, beef, dairy, pork, poultry); crops (wheat, canola, oats, potatoes); and soil health.

Examples of the AFC funded research projects include:

• Development of molecular protocols for rapid detection of potato pests and pathogens
• The Regional Variety Crop Trials in Alberta
• Understanding the interactions of nitrogen fertilizer on soil health to optimize sustainable agriculture
• Development of stress-tolerant alfalfa for beef and dairy production in a changing climate