Ottawa funds new Living Labs project to innovate agriculture industry

BEDEQUE — Ottawa has announced $10 million for a Living Laboratories initiative. The investment, said Member of Parliament for Malpeque Wayne Easter at an announcement here on Thursday, will help scientists and farmers work sideby-side on the Island. “Farming used to be seen as grandma and grandpa with their pitchforks, but no matter what, farming has always been at the cutting edge of technology. Whether it be through egg grading practices, (or) new technology for herd management for dairy farms,” said Easter.

The Living Labs initiative aims to bring farmers, agriculture scientists and researchers and other stakeholders together to develop new practices addressing important environmental issues.

Of that $10 million, $2.4 million will go to the East Prince Agri-Environment Association Inc.

“The research conducted under Living Lab-Atlantic will help P.E.I. farmers enhance soil health, improve water quality and boost their crop production. “Knowing how to optimize fertilization to maintain healthy soils, waterways and increase productivity given the region’s unique climate are questions Island farmers are asking,” he said. Through living labs, stakeholders will experiment with applying fertilizers at various rates depending on the type of soil and environmental conditions. Easter said the funding by the federal government will invest $70 million over the next five years to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on soil and water conservation. “This includes the hiring of approximately 75 scientists and other science professionals across the country.”