Crop diversification centres in Edmonton and southeast of Brooks have been given a financial boost by the provincial government.
Alberta’s Budget 2025 earmarked a total of $5.2 million for repairs, upgrades, replacements and operational support for CDC North and CDC South.
“Investing in our crop diversification centres ensures world-class research continues to deliver practical solutions that help our producers stay competitive,” said Alberta premier Danielle Smith in a press release.
Read Also
Dennis Laycraft to be inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame
Dennis Laycraft, a champion for the beef industry, will be inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame this fall.
The funding supports upgrades and replacements to greenhouses, labs and administrative buildings at both sites. It also funds inputs that have increased in cost, such as fertilizer, seeds and pesticides.
“Both crop diversification centres are prime examples of how successful government-industry collaboration can be. This funding will help ensure the researchers and support staff at both locations can continue their sector-leading work,” provincial agriculture minister RJ Sigurdson said.
CDC South near Brooks is a production and research greenhouse facility and base of operations for plant health surveillance and field operations. CDC North in Edmonton serves a similar function, and is also home to the Alberta Plant Health Lab, the Bee Health Team and Alberta’s Seed Potato Repository.
“Leading U of A researchers leverage the CDC North facility to conduct applied research in support of issues and opportunities for Albertan producers, developing advancements and technologies in agriculture, food, soil science and more to improve food security and make this critical sector of our economy increasingly profitable and sustainable,” said Rickey Yada, dean of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.
CDC South will see $3 million for facility repairs and upgrades to go with $500,000 for operational support.
CDC North receives $1.2 million for facility repairs and replacements and $500,000 for operational support.
