Released on September 25, 2014
Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart has proclaimed the week of September 26 to October 3, 2014, as Biotech Week in Saskatchewan, in conjunction with the 11th National Biotechnology Week.“Biotechnology is an important part of our economy,” Stewart said. “The Government of Saskatchewan works with industry, researchers, other governments and the private sector to partner on initiatives that grow Saskatchewan’s bioscience capacity, ensuring our farmers and ranchers benefit from the latest innovations.”
With world class infrastructure already in place, Saskatchewan is the optimum place to advance agricultural biotechnology. This year the Ministry of Agriculture has committed $26.7 million to agriculture research.
“National Biotechnology Week celebrates science,” Ag-West Bio President and CEO Wilf Keller said. “Many people may not realize it, but biotechnology affects many areas of our lives in positive ways, from medicines, to crops, to biodegradable packaging and cleaner fuels. We applaud the researchers and the entrepreneurs who develop the bio-based products and processes that improve our quality of life.”
Saskatchewan is home to two research universities, three research parks and numerous research and training institutions. With 700 professionals working at 30 private, public and academic facilities, Saskatchewan is home to about 30 per cent of the agricultural bioscience industry in Canada.
Numerous events will be held throughout the week to highlight the industry. For a full list of activities in Saskatchewan, see the Ag-West Bio website at www.agwest.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521