$3.2 MILLION AWARDED TO CROP RESEARCH PROJECTS

Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced more than $3.2 million in funding from the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) for 23 crop-related research projects.

"Saskatchewan is a leader in crop production and research," Bjornerud said. "This funding is an investment in the future to help move our industry forward and benefit producers at the farm gate."

Crop-related research projects receiving funding this year include studies into the control of clubroot disease in canola, improving camelina seed quality and disease resistance, developing new flax varieties better adapted to northern climates, enhancing the nutritional value of pulses, and market development for new and existing varieties of six-row malting barley.

"This funding will benefit flax producers across Saskatchewan and Western Canada well into the future," Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission Chair Allen Kuhlmann said. "We appreciate the provincial government's support to develop new flax varieties for our producers."

"By investing in this research, the provincial government is helping to ensure Saskatchewan pulse producers remain industry leaders," Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Maurice Berry said. "Research is a priority for pulse producers and we appreciate this funding to help our industry continue to grow."

"As the barley industry continues to expand and evolve, research is pivotal to our success," Western Barley Growers Association Vice-President Tom Hewson said. "This funding will ultimately help our producers reach new markets and compete on an international level."

In addition to this $3.2 million in research funding, the provincial government is continuing to provide $1 million in annual operational support to the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan.

ADF provides funding to help institutions, companies and industry organizations carry out research, development and value-added activities that will benefit Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers. Detailed information on approved projects is available at http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca