PROVINCE INVESTS IN PLANT RESEARCH

Released on December 3, 1999

The provincial government has invested $2 million in plant research that will

help diversify the agricultural sector.



Performance Plants of Saskatoon employs eight researchers and expects to add

four more staff with a future office/lab and greenhouse expansion. The money

will allow the company to expand its research to develop crops that have better

yields, need less fertilizer and grow better under drought conditions.



The company's principal scientist says the world's population will double in

the near future and cultivated land must be made more efficient.



"The province invests in agricultural research, including agricultural

biotechnology research because it is an important part of growth and

diversification of our agricultural sector," Agriculture and Food Minister

Dwain Lingenfelter said. "These R&D investments are necessary to provide

Saskatchewan producers with the latest and most advanced technologies which

will allow them to compete in the world market."



"Investing in Performance Plants will derive significant benefits such as

healthier food with additional nutritional and medicinal qualities," Economic

and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon said. "I am pleased

that, as a member of the Innovation Place research park, Performance Plants

plans to expand its presence there and continue to benefit from a collaborative

work environment the research park provides."



Performance Plants will receive a $1 million investment from the Saskatchewan

Opportunities Corporation (SOCO), and $1 million from the Agri-Food Equity

Fund, to develop plants through genetic research.



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For more information, contact:



Irene Rau Monique Lischynski Kevin Gellatly

Director, Agri-Food Equity Fund Principal Scientist and Manager

SOCO Humboldt Performance Plants Inc

Phone: (306) 787-8576 Phone: (306) 682-6717 Phone: (306) 668-7708