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Western Crop Innovations established in Alberta
March 21, 2024 By Top Crop Manager
The Government of Alberta has relaunched the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) as Western Crop Innovations (WCI), a new non-profit that will focus on agriculture research and crop development.
The new structure is intended to revitalize the organization, promote a renewed vision and better position Alberta to meet the agriculture industry’s needs.
Officially starting on April 1, WCI will carry on FCDC’s research, including its well-known barley breeding program. Its current programming will undergo a review, and where necessary, will be transitioned to ensure crop innovations support Alberta’s farmers’ needs now and into the future.
“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,” says Jason Lenz, chair, Western Crop Innovations.
The interim board, made up of representatives from government and industry, will lead WCI and the transition process. The new model will include integrated funding that connects government, industry, and post-secondary institutions.
