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$93 million being invested into Canadian ag-related research

Investment will also help create jobs

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the need for food and the need to understand issues including climate changes.

Understanding the ways plants, livestock, fish and other species interact with one another has been largely left a mystery.

Various organizations including the Canadian government are investing $93 million into 11 genomics (DNA sequencing methods) projects.

The projects are funded under Genome Canada’s 2014 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition: Genomics and Feeding the Future.

"Our government is committed to moving ideas from the lab to the marketplace more quickly, strengthening Canada's economy while creating jobs for Canadians,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Today's investment will harness Canada's strength in genomics research to provide a boost to our agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries in Saskatchewan and across Canada in order to compete and win in the global marketplace.”

Some of the projects include the University of Saskatchewan receiving $15.5 million to help other research teams develop vaccines against infectious diseases affecting cattle and develop lentil varieties that can succeed in Canadian growing conditions.

"The outstanding success of our researchers in this competition builds on our signature area of agriculture and demonstrates that the U of S is building significant capacity in areas where national and global food security solutions are required,” said Dr. Karen Chad, Vice-President of Research, University of Saskatchewan. “This new knowledge is critical to help address the projected doubling of world food demand by 2050.”

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors make up more than 8% of Canada’s GDP and employed 2.1 million people as of 2011.


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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. David Rosero from Iowa State University explores the critical aspects of fat quality and oxidation in swine diets. He discusses how different types of lipids affect pig performance and provides actionable insights on managing lipid oxidation in feed mills. Don’t miss this episode—available on all major platforms.

Highlight quote: "Increasing levels of oxidized fats in swine diets reduced the efficiency of feed utilization, increased mortality, and led to more pigs being classified as culls, reducing the number of full-value pigs entering the finishing barns."

Meet the guest: Dr. David Rosero / davidrosero is an assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University. His research program focuses on conducting applied research on swine nutrition and the practical application of smart farming. He previously served as the technical officer for The Hanor Company, overseeing nutrition, research, and innovation efforts.