July 8, 2015 – Lethbridge, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC)
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced the first of its kind $3.4 million public-private-producer partnership (P4) wheat breeding program.
This inaugural collaboration between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CANTERRA SEEDS and the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) will benefit Canadian producers by advancing the development and commercialization of Canadian Prairie Spring (CPS) wheat varieties. In addition to a federal investment of nearly $1.2 million, the AWC and CANTERRA SEEDS are investing cash and services to the CPS Lethbridge program.
The CPS Wheat Breeding Program supports the Government's commitment to provide producers with greater access to new crop varieties and the latest technology to remain globally competitive, as highlighted in the Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18), which received Royal Assent earlier this year. With stronger intellectual property rights, there is greater incentive to increase investment in research and development for Canada's crop sector.
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
Andrea Hilderman
Marketing Manager
CANTERRA SEEDS
204-988-9765
Victoria Russell
Communications and Events Coordinator
Alberta Wheat Commission
403-219-7906
