Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) has committed to funding over $675,000 for six new soybean research projects included as part of the Canadian Field Crop Alliance’s Soybean Science Cluster.
SPG was able to leverage its investment into the six projects with nearly $5 million of additional funding from partner organizations and the Government of Canada through their Canadian Agricultural Partnership`s AgriScience Cluster program.
SPG-supported research under the Soybean Cluster is focused on the continued expansion of soybean acres across Western Canada. This includes research supporting the development of short season, food-type varieties, research that will increase protein levels in Western Canadian soybeans, and also work to develop strategies for the effective management of root rots in soybeans.
“SPG would like to thank Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, along with the members of Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) for their support of research that will help further drive the adaptation and adoption of soybeans in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” says Brad Blackwell, SPG Chair.
“Soybean acres have been growing in Saskatchewan, but not without production challenges. Research included in the Soybean Cluster that will support genetic development for our short-growing season and establish agronomic recommendations for our growing regions is key to expanding Saskatchewan soybean acres.”
This new investment into soybean research by SPG will bring their total active investment in soybean research to $1.3 million.
The total value of research included under the five-year Soybean AgriScience Cluster is over $8.4 million, with $5.4 million coming from the Partnership`s AgriScience Cluster program.
Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a seven member, grower-elected, Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.