SPG contributes to soybean research
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers is contributing $495,000 to soybean breeding research aimed at developing soybeans adapted to a short-season environment.
As part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriScience Program–Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance Cropping Systems Cluster, SPG will leverage grower levy funds with more than $2.2 million in government and industry partner funding.
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The soybean breeding project is led by Elroy Cober of Agriculture Canada in Ottawa and will aim to develop early maturing varieties that are well-adapted, high-yielding and have improved nitrogen fixation.
The improved new varieties will work toward increasing yield and protein content as well as improvements to abiotic stress tolerance that will support expansion of soybean acres in Western Canada.
The total value of research included under the five-year CFCRA Cluster is $10.5 million, with $5.7 million funding from the government and $4.8 million coming from industry funders.
ASF preparedness projects funded
Twenty-nine African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island recently received $9,645,586 in federal funding.
Projects will include ASF research, improved biosecurity measures, wild pig management activities, retrofits of existing abattoirs, regional preparation for the welfare depopulation and disposal of healthy hogs and sector analysis, engagement and education tools.
Seeds Canada continues ISSB work
Seeds Canada has selected Trish Jordan to continue developing the Inclusive Seed Standards Body concept.  
She replaces Erin Armstrong, who is unable to continue her consultation due to personal circumstances.  
Jordan has extensive communications experience working with Bayer Crop Science, Monsanto, the Canadian Wheat Board, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Alberta Wheat Pool.
The advisory body concept, introduced by Seeds Canada at its 2022 annual general meeting, is intended to be a permanent group of seed and grain industry stakeholders who can provide guidance directly to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
FCC funds food bank initiative
The Regina Food Bank has acquired a modular produce-growing container with funding from Farm Credit Canada.
The initiative enhances the food bank’s ability to source fresh, nutritious produce year-round.
With an approximate yield of 600 heads of lettuce per week, the modular growing container will enable the food bank to cultivate leafy greens regardless of seasonal constraints or outdoor conditions.
