News in Brief:
– Canada has announced over $8 million in funding to advance research on diverse field crops resilient to climate change in the country.
– The initiative aims to increase crop diversity, improve environmental sustainability, and boost economic growth in Canadian agriculture.
Minister Lawrence MacAulay announcement of crop diversification research funding underscores Canada’s commitment to sustainable agriculture practices. Diverse field crops like camelina, carinata, flax, mustard, and sunflower are particularly valuable due to their ability to thrive under challenging conditions such as drought, heat, and poor soil quality.
Through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, the country is allocating more than $8 million to Ag-West Bio Inc. This funding aims to bolster research efforts focused on expanding the cultivation of small acreage crops. Such initiatives not only increase agricultural productivity but also mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop yields. Key research objectives include:
- Environmental Impact: Assessing greenhouse gas emissions associated with diverse crops, particularly their response to nitrogen fertiliser use.
- Crop Adaptation: Developing new oilseed crops like camelina suited for cultivation on marginal lands, thereby enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
- Genetic Improvement: Enhancing genetic resilience, yields, and disease resistance in rotation crops such as mustard, flax, and sunflower.
Minister MacAulay emphasises the importance of supporting research that enhances crop yield and profitability amidst climate challenges. Collaboration between government and industry, highlighted by Minister Dan Vandal, underscores the regional economic benefits and job creation potential of crop diversification initiatives.
Karen Churchill, President of Ag-West Bio Inc., acknowledges the significance of government support in advancing the Diverse Field Crops Cluster. The initiative aims to provide farmers with viable alternatives that strengthen agricultural profitability and resilience.
