Government of Canada invests in winter wheat research

The Government of Canada is investing in research that will create new opportunities for Canadian wheat farmers. Member of Parliament Rick Casson (Lethbridge), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), will invest close to $1.3 million to research the potential of winter wheat for delivering economic and environmental benefits to farmers.

"Our Government is committed to helping our farmers capitalize on opportunities to stay competitive and profitable with investments in science and innovation," said MP Casson. "This investment will help more farmers reap the many benefits of growing winter wheat."

The investment will support research to address the barriers farmers face in adopting winter wheat, such as its small window for seeding and the risk of winter damage. DUC will work with AAFC researchers to find ways through alternative seed treatments and strategies to improve plant durability, yields, and profitability of winter wheat. The results will also provide beneficial information for Canadian producers on increasing the efficiency of pest and nutrient management practices.

"Improved varieties and good management by producers have made winter wheat one of the most profitable crops over the past few years," says Paul Thoroughgood, Regional Agrologist for DUC. "This funding will allow us to focus on providing farmers with the tools they need to plan and manage their winter wheat crops to maximize productivity and profitability. DUC would like to thank AAFC for its continuing commitment to winter wheat."

This project is being funded by the Developing Innovative Agri-Products initiative, which supports industry-led science and technology projects. The initiative is part of the larger Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program, a $158 million five-year program that promotes industry-led innovation initiatives that help get new agricultural products into the marketplace and improve agricultural processes.

In addition, Canada’s Economic Action Plan supports agriculture as a core economic driver in this country. The Government of Canada is focused on strengthening the economy today, while preparing to pay down the deficit when the time is right, and to create and protect jobs in the future.

For more information on Developing Innovative Agri-Products please visit www.agr.gc.ca (under Growing Forward, Science)