The Global Institute for Food Security has named three Saskatchewan residents to its founding board of directors.
They include Peter MacKinnon, former president of the University of Saskatchewan, Alanna Koch, deputy minister of Saskatchewan Agriculture, and Dallas Howe, chair of Potash Corp.
The institute also announced last week that Ernie Barber, former dean of agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, will serve as the institute’s deputy executive director and chief operating officer.
Barber, who served as dean of agriculture at the U of S in 2007-08, will oversee administration and operation of the institute.
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Barber has a deep understanding of the university and is well connected in the agriculture and food sectors, said a news release issued by the institute.
Executive director Roger Beachy said the institute is exploring other partnerships in the private and public sectors.
It has a budget of $50 million over seven years, including $15 million from the province and $35 million from Potash Corp.
Beachy said he would like to see funding doubled over the next 18 months through additional partnerships with government and corporate investors.
“It’s unclear yet how many other companies will join us and what other resources might be available,” he said.
Three additional directors will be nominated and appointed to the GIFS board in 2013.
