Charlottetown – Grains and oilseeds are among the top earning agricultural commodities in Canada. Research and innovation are helping the sector evolve in response to challenges, opportunities and market developments, and put more money back into the pockets of farmers.
To support grain and oilseed producers in Atlantic Canada and their unique needs, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $3,045,781 over 5 years to the Atlantic Grains Council through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This funding will support the Atlantic Grains Council in research activities to address regional conditions, production challenges and agronomic practices, focusing on priorities for the local sector. Researchers will explore ways to adapt to a changing climate and enhance soil health, while improving the production and quality of grains and oilseeds to remain sustainable and competitive into the future.
One of the key project activities is the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). The YEN helps local farmers better understand their yield potential and discover limits to achieving that potential. The YEN also provides a real-time snapshot of the trends impacting the production, yield, quality and environmental impacts of grains and oilseeds. It is an important information tool to help producers fully understand their crop performance.
“As a farmer myself, I know firsthand the challenges that producers can face when it comes to getting their top-quality products to market. By investing in research that helps producers better adapt to the unique climate and soil conditions here in Atlantic Canada, we can help them increase their production and stay competitive.” – Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Pic courtesy: https://twitter.com/atlanticgrain