With energy and potash prices in decline, agriculture minister says farming has been punted into a key economic position
Forty Saskatchewan crop research projects got the good news about funding Jan. 12 in Saskatoon.
“Funding for these projects ensures the long-term success of this industry and the province,” Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle Stewart said while announcing the $7 million funding package to a meeting at CropSphere, which ran Jan. 12-13 in Saskatoon.
Farming’s role in the province’s economy is even more important now that other commodities, such as energy and potash, are in a price decline, he added.
Stewart said the Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund examines a large group of proposals every year, winnowing them down to the projects that will re-ceive funding.
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Pulses will receive the largest amount at $1.8 million, followed by cereals at $1.7, oilseeds at $1.2, alternative crops at $509,000 and miscellaneous crops at $1.7.
Grower checkoffs from commodity organizations will contribute $2.8 million, of which the Western Grains Research Foundation will provide $1.1 million.
Stewart said the province partners with the federal government through Growing Forward 2.
University of Saskatchewan re-searchers will receive $4.5 million through the ADF programs, with the next largest amount going to the National Research Council.
Projects include fursarium reduction in durum, improved lentil yields, canaryseed, as a food product and fababean development.
