Lakeland College in Vermilion is getting a $1.9 million grant to transition two critical agriculture research programs.
This investment in research will also expand research capacity and teaching opportunities for the next generation of researchers in Alberta.
An agreement is nearly complete that will allow the college to grow and leverage its existing research capacity. This will make way for new learning opportunities for instructors and students as well as more collaboration with industry.
The three-year agreement will support Lakeland College to take over Pulse Agronomy and Beef Production Systems programs in Alberta.
The Pulse Agronomy program is a mixture of extension and pulse research projects across Alberta that facilitates the growth of the agriculture and food industry and enhances rural sustainability.
The Beef Production Systems program focuses on livestock disease and pathogens, pain mitigation strategies, and production efficiency including beef forage, feed rations and genetics.
This agreement is part of the Alberta government's commitment to ensure farmers and ranchers lead agriculture research priorities. Establishing Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), an arm's-length, non-profit corporation, was the first step to ensure research funding priorities are producer-led. Over the long term, RDAR will assume ongoing responsibility for funding agreements. Alberta's government has committed $370 million in provincial funding to agriculture research over the next 10 years.
This investment in agriculture research capacity at Lakeland College is being made possible by the governments of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and the Strategic Research and Development Program.
Quotes
"Through these investments in science and research, we are helping to keep our pulse and beef producers on the cutting edge. This agreement with Lakeland College will support producer-led research priorities in these industries, while cultivating the next generation of agriculture researchers. A win-win!"
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"This agreement is another exciting step for farmer-led research. Agriculture will continue to have a bright future in Alberta with cutting-edge research and research excellence. The pulse and cattle industry will benefit having this research housed at Lakeland College."
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
"This agreement supports a new model for agriculture research and increases Lakeland's capacity to produce results of value and better serve commercial crop and beef producers. We are excited to build on our results-oriented research partnerships with industry while also increasing opportunities for student involvement as they develop applied research skills that will serve them well in the future."
- Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO, Lakeland College
"Lakeland College continues to be a leader in agriculture research and this new agreement will only bolster that reputation. Under the stewardship of Lakeland, we can be certain that this project will support Alberta's hard-working farmers and ranchers."
Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright
"As RDAR interim board chair, in addition to previously announced funding for Olds College, I am delighted that we are now able to support and significantly augment the work being done at Lakeland College. Lakeland College is a very strong post-secondary institution with significant agricultural assets and potential."
- Dr. David Chalack, interim board chair, Results Driven Agriculture Research
Quick facts
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The agreement is made up of the following:
- $1,428,750 from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- $476,250 from the Strategic Research and Development Program
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Located in an intensive crop and livestock production region of Alberta, Lakeland has a 107-year history of agricultural training and research
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The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments, with the aim of strengthening the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.
- Programs and activities are focused on:
- Growing trade and expanding markets
- Innovative and sustainable growth of the sector
- Supporting diversity and a dynamic, evolving sector
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In Alberta, the partnership has committed a federal-provincial investment of up to $406 million over five years towards strategic programs and services that are aligned to national objectives and tailored to priorities in Alberta.
