The Government of Canada has pledged its support to the Atlantic Grains Council, which focuses on research on Atlantic grains and oilseeds to help farmers of a variety of crops in the Atlantic region. Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay announced an investment of over $4 million to the Atlantic Grains Council under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This funding includes $3.2 million under the Partnership’s AgriScience Program, and $260,655 each from the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and $44,550 from Newfoundland and Labrador. With eight of the 11 projects taking place at the Harrington Research Centre, researchers in Prince Edward Island are leading much of the work.
“The grains and oilseeds sector plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada’s economy, producing top-quality products and providing good, middle-class jobs. By investing in research and working together, industry, scientists and governments, our Government is helping grow the sector and create opportunities for farmers and their families in rural communities across Atlantic Canada for years to come”, the minister said.
Roy Culberson, Interim Chairman, Atlantic Grains Council, thanked the government: “I want to thank our partners in government, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Atlantic Canadian departments of agriculture, for continuing to support our vision of improving and growing the Atlantic grains and oilseeds sector through producer-led research. With results that can easily be interpreted for local conditions, this research will improve outcomes for our producers in Atlantic Canada.”
