Assiniboine College in Brandon is set to enhance its greenhouse facilities thanks to a $700,000 donation from the RBC Foundation.
The funds will advance the Greenhouse in a Box research project, according to an Oct. 16 release. The project prototype is a self-contained, portable structure designed to facilitate fruit and vegetable production in diverse locations and climates, effectively extending the growing season for crops.
Why it matters: Funds are linked to the college’s incoming ag hub, the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.
Donations that support infrastructure, research and education will help the college expand its efforts to create solutions for agricultural stability and food security, said Chris Budiwski, acting dean and chair of the college’s Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment.
“We appreciate the RBC Foundation’s support towards this environmental sustainability project,” he said. “This collaboration is important to the Edwards School, which aims to provide students with real-world experience through industry-driven applied research projects and support them to graduate with the skills needed to support a low-emissions economy.”
Karen O’Gilvie, academic chair of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts at the college, noted the institution’s stated priorities for applied research.
It promotes collaboration with industry to meet specific labour needs and an expansion of applied research opportunities.
“This funding will help us to acquire the necessary equipment and build the spaces for our faculty and students to expand their work in addressing industry demands and tackling challenges at both local and global levels.”
Tracey Schofield, RBC regional vice-president, said the foundation was delighted to announce funds for Greenhouse in a Box and “increased training opportunities for horticultural students.”
The greenhouse is on the North Hill campus in Brandon. The funded expansion will connect growing plots, orchard and the weed identification garden.
Budiwski also noted support the college has received for its Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. The centre is part of a plan by Assiniboine College to increase its ag and ag-relating programming spaces.
“We keep hearing about the labour gap in the ag sector. We really can’t address that labour gap if we don’t have the facilities in place to educate people,” Budiwski said.
“We’re super thankful for groups such as the RBC Foundation. They all help in getting us to a position where we can meet needs of the industry.”