A total of 49 research projects been approved for ADF funding by a committee of farmers, research scientists and a couple of representatives from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Agriculture Minister David Marit makes the annual announcement for grains at the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon.

In addition to the $10.3 million in direct ADF funding, various agricultural organizations are contributing an additional $4.6 million. This includes the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (SaskWheat), Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), and the  Western Grains Research Foundation  

The University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) received the lion’s share of the funding at $14 million, with just over half of that total going towards operating costs over the next five years. Dr. Curtis Pozniak (PhD) is a professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Dr. Pozniak is a plant geneticist, wheat breeder and has been been the CDC Director since 2020.

Dr. Pozniak says the Crop Development Centre serves as the training ground for the next general of plant breeders and crop scientists.

One of the largest projects receiving funding is a four-year effort led by Dr. Sabine Banniza (PhD), a professor in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Her team is exploring plants’ resistance to two soil-borne pathogens (Aphanomyces euteiches and Fusarium avenaceum). Those pathogens have led to a growing number of root rot cases that not only reduce yield, but prevents lentils or peas from being seeded on the field for six to eight years.

Dr. Banniza is hopeful her team will identify resistant lines that can be developed into commercial varieties.

The University of Saskatchewan issued this news release highlighting the research projects approved for ADF Funding.  The full list of all 49 research projects can be viewed  at 2023-CropsBackgrounder

(Above photo: aerial view of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre–credit Kaylie Krys)