Seeds of innovation: Investing in agri-research
Alberta’s government has provided a one-time grant of $3.2 million to twelve applied research associations to upgrade equipment, facilities and infrastructure.
L to R: Ken Coles, Executive Director Farming Smarter, RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ryan Mercer, President, Farming Smarter
The funding will help improve agricultural research and Alberta producers’ competitiveness. Applied research associations bring information from scientists and experts to farmers and ranchers to improve farming techniques. They provide learning and extension opportunities for producers, conduct research and trials to improve farming techniques that improve crop and soil quality, manage pests and protect the environment.
“Our government is committed to free and unbiased research. Applied research associations play a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers with top-notch research that helps improve and advance agriculture. This funding helps ensure associations can concentrate on providing research and extension to help our producers adopt new technologies and practices and improve their competitiveness. Now the associations can address their most pressing capital equipment issues.” — RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
Extending the life of facilities
Applied research associations will be able to extend the life of facilities, infrastructure and equipment, address health and safety issues, improve the quality of applied research and extension activities and reduce operating costs as a result.
“Our farmer-led associations are very pleased and grateful for the capital funding support. This will go a long way in helping have the equipment we need to continue our applied research and extension work with producers to assist them in adapting research results, technologies and practices into their farming and ranching business operations.” — Alan Hall, executive director, Agriculture Research Extension Council of Alberta
“The Government of Alberta’s strategic investment in irrigation expansion and the twinning of Highway 3 demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the province’s agricultural and economic future. The applied research capital grants will empower organizations like Farming Smarter to deliver substantial returns on investment by driving innovation and supporting the growth of value-added industries. As a world-class research and innovation organization, Farming Smarter is now even better positioned to accelerate progress and enable transformative advancements across Alberta’s agri-food sector.” — Ken Coles, executive director, Farming Smarter
This funding will help these associations purchase seeders, tractors, swathers, irrigation systems and portable facilities. It will also help them to purchase research equipment that ensures Alberta producers remain amongst the most competitive in the world.
Quick facts
Alberta has 12 Applied Research Associations spread across the province:
Battle River Research Group Society
Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association
Chinook Applied Research Association
Farming Smarter Association
Foothills Forage and Grazing Association
Gateway Research Organization
Lakeland Agricultural Research Association
Mackenzie Applied Research Association
North Peace Applied Research Association
Peace Country Beef and Forage Association
SARDA Ag Research Association
Farming Forward (West-Central Forage Association)
Alberta’s applied research associations have been supporting the adoption of farm research since the 1970s.