AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND AWARDS $2.64 MILLION FOR RESEARCH

The Government of Saskatchewan will fund 22 new agriculture and food research projects through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization's total contribution to this research is $2.64 million.

"These projects reflect Saskatchewan's commitment to value-added activity and diversification in our agriculture and food sector, as well as our determination to ensure that Saskatchewan producers have access to the latest in scientific knowledge and technology," Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Mark Wartman said.

Projects include research such as developing bioherbicides to control weeds, evaluating on-farm pulse crop breeding lines, and developing an environmentally and biodegradable plastic from components of cereals and pulses.

Funding has been awarded to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), and Swift Current Creek Watershed; as well as the Crop Development Centre, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and numerous other departments under the University of Saskatchewan.

"Support for research and development initiatives like these opens doors to new opportunities, jobs and wealth for Saskatchewan people," Wartman said.

Proposed projects are reviewed and selected by the ADF Advisory Board.

For details about ADF applications, contact the Agriculture Research Branch in Regina at (306) 787-6566.

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For More Information, Contact:

Trish Alcorn Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-5389