Released on March 2, 2006
The Government of Saskatchewan will provide $4.6 million to support two agricultural research projects, on frost tolerance for cereal crops and oilseed diversification, approved by Genome Canada. These projects are expected to result in significant long-term benefits to Saskatchewan producers and the provincial economy."Through Genome Canada, we are assisting important agricultural research that will keep Saskatchewan and Canada in the forefront of agricultural innovation," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "Research and innovation are the foundation upon which long-term change takes place, change that has the potential to transform the agriculture industry and the agricultural economy in Saskatchewan."
Genome Canada is a research funding organization which has received $600 million from the federal government. When combined with funding from other partners, Genome Canada's funding totals $1.2 billion for 112 innovative research projects.
Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said the province is pleased to work in concert with the federal government, other Prairie Provinces, industry and other investors to advance economic development opportunities for Saskatchewan people.
"Research initiatives, such as those with Genome Canada, also build on the University of Saskatchewan's vital contribution to the province's spirit of discovery and innovation while strengthening the university's capacity to attract and retain world-class faculty," Atkinson said.
The first project has the potential to reduce frost damage, which has accounted for significant economic losses throughout Saskatchewan's history. The second project involves oilseed diversification and specialization, which would lead to increased competitiveness and value for Saskatchewan's oilseed processors, and increased value of meal and feed exported from Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan-based research work for these two projects will be conducted at the University of Saskatchewan and the National Research Council's Plant Biotechnology Institute in Saskatoon. Genome Canada, through Prairie Genome, has an approved budget of $10.9 million for these projects. Total cost of the projects is $25.2 million, which includes support from the Prairie Provinces, industry and other investors.
"Saskatchewan-based researchers are leading the way in key crop genomics research projects," Genome Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Martin Godbout said. "The funding from the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to support excellence in genomics and proteomics research in the province and generate positive economic impact for Saskatchewan."
"Genomics offers real and positive solutions to climatic threats facing prairie farmers and will better position Canada to capture market opportunities," Genome Prairie President and Chief Executive Officer Jerome Konecsni said. "Saskatchewan's investment in genomics is evidence of its commitment to the future of agriculture."
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For More Information, Contact:
| Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031 | Dr. Abdul Jalil Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5960 |
Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609 | Lisa Jategaonkar Genome Prairie Saskatoon Phone: (306) 668-3574 |
Judith O'Brien Genome Canada Phone: (613) 751-4460 Cell: Ext 129 |