Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) has invested nearly $1.5 million into pulse research projects that are looking to improve productivity and reduce threats to pulse crop production, as well as projects that will help to build new market demand for pulses.
Under the recently announced Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) AgriScience Cluster program, SPG will be leveraging their grower dollar investment with $8.7 million of Government and other industry partner funding.
“SPG would like to recognize Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for their continued investment into pulse research,” says Corey Loessin, Chair of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Radisson area pulse farmer. “By leveraging Saskatchewan grower dollars with government and industry partner funding through the CAP AgriScience Cluster program, we are able to ensure that our investments into research go further to addressing the production and market challenges that are facing our industry.”
Industry partners on the Pulse Science Cluster include Alberta Pulse Growers, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Ontario Bean Growers, and Pulse Canada.
Projects funded under the Pulse Science Cluster are seeking to make advancements in critical areas for the pulse industry, including a project that will utilize breeding and agronomic management practices to mitigate the yield loss in peas due to root rot. Another project will help build new demand for Canadian pulses in the pet food market, as the industry is working to diversify demand for pulses.
“Research that will increase on-farm productivity and reduce agronomic challenges is a top priority for SPG,” says Loessin. “We are also targeting our research investments into projects that will build new demand for Canadian pulses. The recent loss of market access in India, our largest market, demonstrates the importance of continuing to diversify market demand to ensure that we are not as reliant on any one market for pulse trade in the future.”
The total value of research included under the five-year Pulse AgriScience Cluster is over $18 million, with $11.1 million coming from the CAP AgriScience Cluster program.