The federal government is providing $22.1 million for 233 projects at its agricultural research centres.
Projects were evaluated under the categories of food, plant and animal science and ecology and environment, Agriculture Canada said in a News release
news. Project funding covers the 2007-08 fiscal year.
Lethbridge Research Centre will receive $2.4 million for 29 research projects starting this year, which include:
- Developing management strategies to reduce the prevalence and concentration of pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella in beef cattle.
- Managing carbon and nitrogen to sustain soil productivity and preserve environmental health.
- Genetically enhance winter wheat for improved environmental sustainability, enhanced food safety and expanded end-use products.
- Researching sustainable expansion of canola production for food and biodiesel.
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The research centre in Lacombe, Alta., received $1 million for eight projects:
- Developing a framework of genetic evaluation and improvement systems for economically relevant traits in beef cattle.
- Reducing the impact of disease on the beekeeping industry and making honey safer for consumers.
- Assessing the impact of straw harvest for biofuel feedstock and other uses on soil quality and crop production.
- Developing a management system to support sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly malting and feed barley production systems.
Saskatchewan received $3.7 million for 27 research projects at the Swift Current and Saskatoon centres:
- Evaluating the impact of climate change on the production of energy crops in Western Canada.
- Increasing the ability to conserve and use the genetic diversity of Canadian bioresources.
- Evaluating the impact of pesticide use on crop diseases, microbial populations and plant nutrition.
- Exploring areas of plant biology relevant to crop production and breeding to develop novel Brassica crops.
Manitoba received $1.8 million for 13 projects:
- Adapting crop systems to increased dryness caused by climate change and reduced availability of fossil fuels.
- Developing value chain opportunities for flax and wheat to contribute to the health and wellness of Canadians and create economic value.
