As part of a project to develop an innovative, low-cost way to increase winter wheat production in western Canada, the Alberta Wheat Commission will receive $1 million, which was recently announced by parliament member for Lethbridge, Jim Hillyer, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
This project will evaluate new winter wheat varieties that offer greater yield, quality and consistency, as well as develop best management practices that promote healthier wheat, enabling producers to diversify their operations. It will also provide producers with information and tools about winter wheat production which will help them address agronomic challenges.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers will collaborate with industry on a number of activities, including research into new controls to address weed problems, new cultivars and enhanced crop production through better residue management.
Home to one-third of Canada's wheat crop, Alberta wheat brings in $2.26 billion to the farm gate and another $2.3 billion in exports.
"Winter wheat has become one of the most profitable field crops in western Canada. This project will enable producers to increase their winter wheat acreage, helping them to diversify their businesses and grow their revenues," said Hillyer.
This investment was made through Growing Forward 2's AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million initiative designed to accelerate the pace of innovation by supporting research and development activities in agri-innovations and facilitating the demonstration, commercialization and/or adoption of innovative products, technologies, processes, practices and services.
