SASKATOON – AgrEvo, a company specializing in pesticides and biotechnology, is expecting to double its research and development efforts in Canada.
This fall, the company is planning to transfer some canola research from Germany to Saskatoon and spend an additional $2.5 million in its research operations here. As well, it plans to double the size of the now 18-member staff. AgrEvo has about $3 million invested in operations at the Saskatoon facility now, not including the government-owned buildings that house its operations.
Laboratories, greenhouses leased
AgrEvo is holding talks with the provincial and federal governments to secure long-term leases for special laboratories and greenhouses. The company is hoping to remain in the biotech park at Innovation Place, at the University of Saskatchewan.
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“The move to Saskatoon is not dependent on the help of government but some assistance in securing facilities will make it much more viable,” said Brent Kennedy, manager of research and development for AgrEvo Canada.
The four research projects served by the expansion are based on transgenic or gene-spliced canola and related research. Projects include higher yields by more genetic cross breeding, disease resistance, higher yields through increased seed size and reduced seed abortion and research into the techniques that enable the gene splicing to occur.
Kennedy said the three projects are expected to yield “$300 to $500 million in increased income at the farmgate.”
He said AgrEvo will also be doing research into improvements for wheat and barley in Saskatoon, but stressed the focus was on canola in the short term.
