The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $4.7 million in grant funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 36 projects, including several that benefit the future of crop health in Manitoba, under the Research and Innovation Program over the next three years.

“When we invest in innovation, we’re investing in a stronger, more sustainable future for Canadian agriculture,” said federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “With support from the Sustainable CAP, farmers in Manitoba will be able to tap into digital tech – cutting costs, improving efficiency and helping them stay on the cutting edge.”

The Research and Innovation Program supports the development of science-based solutions and tools that address known challenges, prepare for potential disruptions and climate threats, and capture emerging opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The program provides funding to eligible applicants for research and capacity-building projects aimed at promoting the agriculture sector’s growth and sustainability, helping to put Manitoba at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research.

“Research and innovation are key drivers for Manitoba’s economic growth and enhancing profitability for our farmers,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “Our government is committed to fostering growth and sustainability through innovation. This includes developing new technologies and practices, creating new products and advancing knowledge to ensure Manitoba remains resilient, competitive and efficient.”

Funding will support 36 projects across Manitoba including:

  • Manitoba Crop Alliance: research how crop residues influence soil, water and carbon and weed populations.
  • University of Manitoba: creation of genomic selection models to improve the efficiency of winter wheat breeding.
  • Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers: identify resistance sources for soybeans root rot and assess the impact of inoculation strategies.
  • Agriculture and Agri-food Canada: development of molecular markers to breed improved oat varieties.

“This investment into University of Manitoba research aimed at sustainable agricultural systems and tools will translate into real benefits for producers and consumers, and will create exciting training opportunities for our students, who will drive the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Martin Scanlon, dean, faculty of agricultural and food sciences, University of Manitoba.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

For more information on Manitoba Agriculture’s Sustainable CAP Research and Innovation Program, visit manitoba.ca.