NEW FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

Today, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and federal Member of Parliament Randy Hoback (Prince Albert) announced $473,000 in funding for producer groups to evaluate and demonstrate new agricultural practices and technologies in their local areas. Farmers and ranchers will be able to view these new agricultural advancements first-hand to assess the merit of adopting them into their individual operations.

In total, 69 producer-led projects have been approved for funding, with projects to begin this spring and summer. This funding is provided through the Saskatchewan Agricultural Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) program, which is part of the federal-provincial Growing Forward framework.

"Whether it's farmer-built innovation with scrap iron and a welder or high-tech research at leading universities, Canadian farmers know success depends on staying on the cutting edge in the marketplace," Hoback said on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Our government is partnering with the province of Saskatchewan to deliver smart investments that will help farmers take advantage of the latest agricultural technologies that will put more black ink on the bottom line."

"Research is only valuable if the results are transferred to producers on the ground," Bjornerud said. "Our government made a commitment in the budget to agricultural research that will benefit producers at the farm gate and we are pleased to follow through on that commitment with this funding."

The projects approved for funding were submitted by 28 producer-led organizations from across the province and represent many different parts of the agriculture industry, including grains, oilseeds, pulses, forages, livestock, fruits, vegetables and organic production.

Approved projects include: demonstrating and evaluating various seeding and nitrogen rates for malt barley; new corn varieties for grazing and silage use; the optimum development stage for cutting oats and barley for greenfeed; various pasture rejuvenation techniques; the effectiveness of pod sealants for reducing shattering losses in canola; chemical options for control of leafy spurge; new grass and alfalfa varieties with greater salt tolerance; and different options for cherry planting and pruning.

Producer groups are eligible for funding of up to $10,000 per project to a maximum of $50,000 per year from this program.

This is the second round of funding approved under the ADOPT program. The next deadline for submission of ADOPT applications is June 15 for projects taking place in fall 2010. Application forms are available by emailing evaluation.coordinator@gov.sk.ca.

For more information, producer groups can contact their local Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional office.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Tyler Hopson
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: tyler.hopson@gov.sk.ca