Expanding agriculture research at the U of A

Contributed

Agriculture and Forestry has reached an agreement to transfer key research programs to the University of Alberta, strengthening its agriculture research capacity.

The University of Alberta will receive a $3.7-million grant to assist in the transition of critical agriculture research programs and researchers.

These researchers and programs now reside with the University of Alberta:

• John Basarab, beef genomics and feed efficiency;

• Dr. Marcos Colazo, reproductive management in beef and dairy cattle;

• Valerie Carney, Poultry Innovation Project lead;

• Sheri Strydhorst, cereal agronomy.

Alberta farmers and ranchers will continue to benefit from world-leading research that will now be housed at the University of Alberta. These researchers and programs, previously with Agriculture and Forestry, will continue to benefit the province’s farmers and livestock producers under the current agreement.

“The U of A has a strong agriculture program, and adding these great researchers to their programming will benefit Alberta’s farmers and ranchers for years to come. Research is critical to agriculture’s success, and by leveraging and increasing capacity it will result in huge benefits for Alberta’s agriculture sector.” explained Devin Dreeshen, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

“Alberta farmers and ranchers not only feed our communities, they are key drivers of economic growth across our province. At the University of Alberta, we are proud to work alongside them, undertaking world-leading research both in the lab, on the farm, and in the field. Today’s announcement will allow us to do even more, and I want to thank Minister Dreeshen and the Government of Alberta for their investment that will enable us to retain and support the talented researchers at the forefront of this work.” added Bill Flanagan, president and vice-chancellor, University of Alberta.

This agreement is part of the Alberta government’s commitment to ensuring farmers and ranchers lead agriculture research priorities – not government. Establishing Results Driven Agriculture Research, an arm’s-length nonprofit corporation, is a first step in making sure research funding priorities are producer-led. Over the long term, RDAR will assume ongoing responsibility for the funding agreement with the University of Alberta.

Under this new model, agricultural research in Alberta will lead to tangible benefits for farmers, including higher profits, a more abundant food supply at lower cost for Albertans and ultimately a higher quality of life in rural communities.

“The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences is very excited to be joined by our new colleagues. These individuals are excellent researchers who have an impressive track record of working with producers and the entire agricultural sector. We are looking forward to enhanced capacity and new opportunities for collaboration with our new faculty members.” explained Dr. Stanford Blade, dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta.

“RDAR is pleased that the important work of Doctors Basarab, Colazo, Carney and Strydhorst will continue at the University of Alberta. Strong relationships among our industry partners will help ensure that Alberta’s producers benefit from researchers’ work. RDAR is where big ideas grow,” stated Dr. David Chalack, interim board chair, Results Driven Agriculture Research.

Quick facts

• Established in March, RDAR is a non-profit producer-led company that operates at arm’s length from the Government of Alberta.

° RDAR and the Government of Alberta recently reached

a $37-million annual funding agreement.

° RDAR determines and funds industry-wide research pri

orities to enhance producers’ competitive advantage.

• The University of Alberta is one of the world’s top research universities, with expertise in both established and emerging fields including health, artificial intelligence, energy, food safety and security, and nanotechnology.