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Province, feds provide $25M boost to agriculture researchers in Sask.

Agricultural researchers in Saskatchewan got a big boost on Wednesday.

The federal and provincial governments announced a joint investment of $25 million, to support 15 strategic research chairs at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

The funding, provided through the Strategic Research Program, will support work focused on genetic improvements for crops, livestock development, the development of food and bioproducts, and research into soils and the environment.

Angela Bedard-Haughn, dean of the college, said the funds are an investment into the success and sustainability of agriculture in the province.

“USask researchers are advancing innovative solutions that meet the needs of farmers, industry and consumers,” Bedard-Haughn said in a statement.

Her comments were echoed by Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food.

“Investing in research is vitally important to the long-term resilience and continued growth of Canada’s agriculture sector,” MacAulay said in a statement.

“I have no doubt this innovative research will help ensure our farmers stay on the cutting edge.”

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Why Huitlacoche (Corn Smut) is So Expensive | So Expensive

Video: Why Huitlacoche (Corn Smut) is So Expensive | So Expensive

Huitlacoche, also known as the "Mexican truffle," is an edible fungus that forms on undeveloped corn ears and sells for as much as $40 a pound. Discovered by the Aztecs, the bulbous fungus has been consumed in Mexico for centuries and has recently become an increasingly popular specialty ingredient around the world.

However, the US has dedicated significant time and money to keeping its cornfields free of what they call "corn smut" and "the devil's corn." Huitlacoche forms naturally during the rainy season, but farmers can also inject the fungus into their cornfields to harvest the valuable "black gold". So why has Huitlacoche become so popular and what exactly makes it so expensive?