Glacier FarmMedia – The federal government has earmarked more than $5 million for barley research, aimed at creating more resilient varieties that can handle climate change.
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay on June 12 announced $5,257,073 for the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. The funding echoes similar announcements for research clusters dedicated to commodities such as canola and pulses.
The aim is more resilient, sustainable barley to help farmers stay competitive in world markets.
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“This vitally important research will help producers incorporate climate-resilient barley crops into their operations and increase the profitability and sustainability of their farms,” MacAulay said in a media release.
The investment will support economic growth in the big barley producing provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, said Dan Vandal, federal minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
“The project aims to respond to climate change in ways that spur economic development and is an example of how the Framework for a Green Prairie Economy moves us closer to our goal of creating a stronger, sustainable economic future together,” Vandal said.
Cody Glenn, chair of the Canadian Barley Research Coalition and farmer near Climax, Sask., said barley is an important crop, and “this research will go a long way towards ensuring barley remains a profitable and sustainable crop option.”
Also on June 12, the Western Grains Research Foundation announced it would invest more than $1 million in the Barley Cluster over five years to support research on developing new varieties. The foundation will focus on agronomy, knowledge transfer and pathology within the barley sector.
The cluster will be administered by the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. According to the WGRF, it has a value of $9.6 million.
