August 5, 2008, Saskatoon, SK - The National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences ha ave signed an agreement to collaborate on genetic research to improve the production of canola. Over the next five years, the Oil Crops Research Institute will contribute $300,000 in cash and the NRC Plant Biotechnology Institute (NRC-PBI) will contribute $210,000 worth of facilities and analytical resources to complete the first project under this agreement.
Dr. Roman Szumski, NRC's Vice-President, Life Sciences, visited the Oil Crops Research Institute last week to strengthen ties between both r esearch organizations and to exchange information.
"This is a historic event where, for the first time, China is investing directly in agricultural research in Canada to advance a crop important to both countries," said Dr. Szumski. " This collaboration will help Canada and China develop higher yielding canola, increasing both our countries' reputations for scientific excellence in agricultural research and creating a competitive advantage for Canadian and Chinese agricultural producer s."
"This agreement makes eminent sense, given that Canada is where canola was developed," said Dr. Han-zhong Wang, Director of the Oil Crops Research Institute. "Food and energy shortages are an escalating problem and increasing canola productivi ty is something that can help these global issues."
The first project to be undertaken under this agreement is to complete genomics work on canola to identify genes that affect yield and adaptation to various environmental stresses.
Recogn ized globally for research and innovation, the National Research Council Canada (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. NRC-PBI conducts collaborative plant biotechnology re search with universities, government agencies and industry, translating research into commercial products for the environmental and health benefits of Canadians. Visit NRC Plant Biotechnology Institute webs ite for more information.
The Oil Crops Research Institute is one of China's leading centres for canola research and for the development of elite rapeseed germplasm. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) represents China's most impor tant national agricultural research organization, directly affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture. CAAS has a strategic task of serving nation-wide agricultural and rural development and empowering farmers with science and technology. Visit Oil Crops Research Institute website for more information.
For more information, please visit the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc. ca, or contact:
Royal Hinther
Head, Business Development
National Research Council Canada
Plant Biotechnology Institute
Tel: (306) 975-5568
Royal.Hinther@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Natalie Hall
Media Relations Officer
National Research Council Canada
Tel: (613) 990-6091
Natalie.Hall@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
