$9.6 Million Initiative to Boost Barley Production
By: Farms.com
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) recently unveiled the Canadian National Barley Cluster, an initiative designed to propel the nation's barley production forward. Over the next five years, this project will receive $9.6 million to fund research that enhances barley's competitiveness and sustainability.
The initiative, managed by the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC), will focus on improving feed barley, barley genetics, agronomy, and disease resistance. These efforts aim to make barley farming more resilient and profitable for Canadian growers and the industries they serve.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, highlighted the project's significance. "Barley provides a high-quality grain to many industries like the livestock sector, while malting barley supports the Canadian brewing industry, this research will help producers incorporate climate-resilient barley crops into their operations to increase the profitability of their farms," he stated.
Cody Glenn, a farmer from Climax, SK, and Chair of CBRC, expressed his enthusiasm. "Barley is an important crop on my farm and on grain farms across the country, we are really pleased to have this long-term research funding that will help keep barley a profitable and sustainable option in our crop rotations." he said.
Funding for this initiative comes from multiple sources. AAFC will contribute up to $5.25 million through the AgriScience Program, while over $4.3 million will be provided by various producer and private organizations, including Alberta Grains and the Beef Cattle Research Council.
Jill McDonald, President of CBRC and Executive Director of SaskBarley, emphasized the industry's future needs. "We must ensure barley remains a competitive choice for farmers. This research will build on previous achievements and tackle emerging challenges in barley cultivation," she remarked.
Established in 2020, the CBRC epitomizes collaboration and innovation, uniting Alberta Grains, SaskBarley, and Manitoba Crop Alliance.
This coalition is committed to advancing western Canadian barley through sustained research investments, ensuring the crop's long-term productivity and sustainability.
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