USask will receive $3.4 million in funding for three studies
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The federal government is supporting ag research aimed at reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
On Thursday, Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s federal ag minister, announced $3.4 funding for three projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) through the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP).
The projects are designed to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
One study will focus on pasture management and testing forage mixtures that could lower the levels of GHGs released into the air.
Another project will help producers select their best options for shelterbelts, and third will examine ways to reduce the release of GHGs from water storage reservoirs.
The USask research will help Canadian producers remain at the forefront of agriculture while managing environmental concerns.
“These new investments through the (AGGP) are part of the Government’s commitment to addressing climate change and ensuring our farmers are world leaders in the use and development of clean and sustainable technologies and processes,” MacAulay said in a statement Thursday.
The federal government, along with the provincial government, is also investing in ag mentorship.
Together, Ottawa and Saskatchewan will contribute a total of $100,000 for Next Gen Agriculture.
The Canadian Western Agribition will deliver the program, which is designed to prepare young farmers for involvement in the ag community.
“Partnering on this new mentorship program is an exciting opportunity for Canadian Western Agribition to take an active role in building the next generation of leaders in the sector,” Bruce Holmquist, president of the show, said in a statement Thursday.
Program facilitators will match mentees with mentors based on existing skills, desired outcomes and abilities.
The program will accept eight applicants aged 18 to 39 for an 18-month internship beginning in February. More details about the application process will be available Dec. 14.