September 12, 2006
KELOWNA, B.C. - Research in the
Okanagan's value-added agriculture industry received a substantial
boost today with investments totalling $355,000 from Western Economic Diversification
Canada. The funds enable the University of British Columbia Okanagan to acquire
leading-edge research equipment and establish a new Okanagan Regional Chemical
Analysis Centre.
"Canada's new government is committed to supporting
research and development," said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for
Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of
National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "These
projects will provide a highly-skilled agri-food workforce and develop new
research technology which could result in increased economic benefits to rural
communities.
"UBC Okanagan's research capacity is increasing rapidly," said
UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Doug Owram. "We have established
centers of research that are among Canada's premier labs exploring issues
in agri-food and chemical analysis, species at risk, and habitat studies. Western
Economic Diversification Canada is an important partner in funding the infrastructure
and programs necessary to build our research capacity."
The University of British Columbia Okanagan will purchase new
research equipment to improve the quality of high-value products within Okanagan
agricultural industry including grapes, apples and lavender. The University
has also established the new Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre which
leading to new research and technology development. The Centre will also provide
industry-specific training courses to complement degree programs.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department
mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western
Canada.
For additional information, contact:
Mike Winterburn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 995-2960
Mike Winterburn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue
and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
(613) 995-2960
Ottawa, Ontario
Karl Yeh
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 666-1324
Bud Mortensen
Communications Co-ordinator
University of British Columbia Okanagan
(250) 807-9255
Web site: www.ubc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
Backgrounder
Value-added Agriculture Applied Research
The University of British Columbia Okanagan will receive $195,000
to purchase analytical and measurement equipment of conduct research in three
high-value products in the value-added agricultural industry: Wine/grapes,
apples and lavender. The research will enable improved harvesting techniques
and enhance yield production.
Wines/Grapes:
Research will be conducted to detect bacterial and smoke contamination
from forest fires.
Apples:
The research will develop new methods to detect and control bacterial
and fungi pathogens in apples during cold storage. It will also develop new
techniques to control post-harvest decay.
Lavender:
Lavenders are perennial herbs that produce essential oils that are used extensively
used in foods, cosmetics and personal care products. The research will help
lavender farmers develop plants that are best suited for the BC climate and
help the growth of the industry in Canada.
Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre
An investment of $160,000 has been provided to the Okanagan Regional
Chemical Analysis Centre at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. The
Centre will provide research and analytical services to the agri-food, wine
and other industries in the Okanagan region. The Centre will also be able to
offer short term training courses outside credited degree programs targeted
to the immediate needs of the local industry.
