The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) has committed $500,000 to support the construction of the Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility (PCSRF) at the University of Manitoba (UM).
The new 20,000 square foot facility will extend the capacity for crop research, strengthen the development of tomorrow’s agricultural specialists and farmers, and will accelerate research to benefit western Canadian farmers and ensure competitiveness of the agri-food sector, says the organization.
The PCSRF will also make it easier for teams of agronomists, crop and soil scientists, entomologists, livestock specialists, and plant breeders to work jointly on field research programs that address farmers’ key needs.
“MCGA has long recognized UM as a key resource for quality education and agricultural research. As the birthplace of canola, it holds special significance to the canola industry” says Delaney Ross Burtnack, executive director, Manitoba Canola Growers Association. “MCGA is proud to collaborate with other agricultural organizations in supporting UM as they advance to the next level of agricultural research with the innovative new Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility.”
MCGA says they value their partnership with UM and are currently funding 12 projects through the Canola Agronomic Research Partnership, Canola AgriScience Cluster, and Manitoba Extreme Moisture Program. The funding also supports the training of graduate and undergraduates working on these projects.