Saskatchewan Pulse Growers is attempting to tackle one of the most
pressing needs identified in the new national pulse research strategy.
The grower group announced at Pulse Days 2002 that it will try to raise
$1.5 million to help build a proposed $10 million field research lab at
the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre in Saskatoon.
“We will be looking for support from both industry and producers to
raise these funds, which will enable us to secure support from various
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federal and provincial sources for the remaining $8.5 million,” said
Gordon Cresswell, the group’s fundraising chair.
Pulse Growers executive director Garth Patterson said they hope to
raise the $1.5 million within the next 100 days.
The money will be used to attract matching funds from government.
Patterson said the University of Saskatchewan is a key player in the
new national pulse research strategy that was trumpeted at Pulse Days.
Unfortunately, scientists at the Crop Development Centre are working in
outdated and overcrowded facilities.
“It’s just not something we’re proud of,” Patterson said.
Centre director Rick Holm is pleased with the funding drive.
“(The) dramatic growth in the size of our pulse research programs has
placed a significant strain on the 30-year-old research facilities that
we have available to house them,” he said in a News release
news.
“The Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has a long history of generous support
of our pulse research program. I am extremely pleased and grateful that
the organization is taking a leading role in raising the funds required
to make this project possible.”
The proposed lab would be used primarily for lentil and chickpea
research, but Patterson said it will serve the needs of the entire
pulse industry for the next 30 years.
