October 17, 2014 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament Kelly Block (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar) today announced an investment of up to $2.16 million to the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) to address the crop sector's need for improved crop research and development.
This project aims to better understand the interactions among crops, soils, environment and economics, and how to grow crops effectively and profitably while respecting the environment and its biodiversity.
Industry researchers, in collaboration with Agriculture Canada, will focus on several priorities including determining the effects of rotational crops to develop crop management strategies that are beneficial to both the environment and producers, as well as studying the effective control of fungal diseases through timely applications. Other research activities will look at the interaction among plants and other soil microorganisms and develop ways to improve the efficiency of cropping systems through the use of different inoculants. Researchers are also working to develop mobile phone apps which can be used for the integrated pest management of weeds, insects and diseases.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
