GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN INVEST IN AGRICULTURE RESEARCH FACILITIES

Today, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $6.5 million toward enhanced capacity at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) phytotron.

The phytotron provides a controlled environment to allow researchers to determine how soils, plants, water, light, wind and pests interact under a variety of conditions. The funding will increase the environmental chamber capacity from 60 to 100 per cent.

"Our government understands that investments in agricultural innovation create new crops for Canadian farmers, and help to strengthen our economy," said Ritz. "That's why we are proud to be supporting the phytotron and the important research it facilitates."

"The work done at the phytotron is an important part of our success in agricultural research and production," Bjornerud said. "We are pleased to provide this funding, which will result in new crop varieties that benefit our producers."

Western Economic Diversification Canada, under the Western Diversification Program, is providing $4.5 million. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is providing $2 million through its Agriculture Research budget. The University of Saskatchewan is providing $3 million to the facility.

"We are deeply grateful for our governments' investments in the phytotron, which has been critically important in the development of so many innovations in plant growth and environmental management," College of Agriculture and Bioresources Dean Mary Buhr said. "The producers, who are also our partners, and the world's consumers will directly benefit as we now rapidly lead the way into the bioeconomy of the future."

In addition, industry groups including the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) have provided $3 million to the facility.

"The Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) Board knows that the research being conducted here at the University of Saskatchewan is fundamental to the development of the pulse industry," SPG Board Chair Murray Purcell said. "Our $1 million investment in the Phytotron Renewal Project will continue to keep us as leaders in the global pulse industry."

"WGRF strives to ensure that the producer dollars we invest in crop research generate an economic return for all Western Canadian producers," Western Grains Research Foundation Executive Director Lanette Kuchensk said. "WGRF's decision to contribute to the renewal of the Phytotron is one that will benefit all crop producers and provide a great return on investment for years to come."

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, co-ordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942

Kira Paluck
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-966-6873
Email: kira.paluck@usask.ca