WGRF invests $5 mn into applied genomics research projects in lentil, wheat and soybean

Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) announced a $5 million dollar investment into three applied genomics research projects in lentil, wheat and soybean. These projects were selected for funding under Genome Canada’s 2014 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition Genomics and Feeding the Future.
 

“WGRF is excited about the impact these projects will have for producers,” said Dave Sefton, WGRF Board Chair. “Support of genomics for crop research is important for the development of improved crop varieties. WGRF’s partnership with Genome Canada and involvement in their rigorous review process has allowed producers to invest in these world class genomics research projects. I would like to thank the Government of Canada and Genome Canada for their partnership and support of agriculture crop research.”
 

“Genome Canada is delighted that WGRF came in as a front-end programmatic partner for this important funding competition. Clearly, they recognize the considerable untapped potential that genomics has to offer in terms of enhancing crops that are staples of this nation’s economy as well as those that are emerging in importance for producers and consumers.” Lorne Hepworth, Chair of Genome Canada.
 

At $18 million of funding planned for 2015, WGRF is the largest producer funder of crop research in Canada. “WGRF’s annual research funding has tripled in last five years,” said Garth Patterson, WGRF Executive Director. “This $5 million dollar investment by producers into cutting-edge plant genomics research is a good partnership for WGRF. The WGRF Endowment Fund is used to fund crop research projects that benefit all producers and the projects announced today will help enhance the profitability and sustainability of producers in western Canada.”