$12.6 MILLION GRANTED TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROJECTS

Today Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $12.6 million in agriculture research funding. This funding is from the province's Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and is for 48 agricultural research projects.

A wide range of projects have been funded this year, including studies on reducing the level of antibiotics used in livestock production, the impact of phosphorus fertilizer on pulse crop production, lowering costs in hog production and enhanced rust resistance in western Canadian wheat varieties.

"This government is focused on the needs of farmers and ranchers," Bjornerud said. "This funding is for research that will produce long-term benefits at the farm gate."

The research projects will be undertaken by organizations such as the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, the Prairie Swine Centre, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Saskatchewan Research Council, the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute and the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers' Association.

As part of this funding announcement, the provincial government is committing to support the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, with $4 million over four years.

"Research and development is a priority for this government and critical to the success of our industry," Bjornerud said. "This investment will help ensure Saskatchewan remains a leader in agriculture."

ADF provides funding to help institutions, companies and industry organizations carry out research, development and value-added activities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The results produce new knowledge, information and choices in technologies, techniques and varieties for farmers, ranchers, processors and input suppliers.

All ADF 2008-09 approved projects are listed and described on Saskatchewan Agriculture's website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca under "Research".

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

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For more information, contact:

Donna Rehirchuk
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5389
Email: donna.rehirchuk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-9476