Western Crop Innovations (WCI) celebrates the recent joint announcement from the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) and Farm Credit Canada. The FCC’s substantial contribution of five million dollars to an accelerated breeding program at the GFIS University of Saskatchewan campus is a significant step and a testament to the importance of advancing agricultural innovation in Canada, a goal we all share.
WCI is thrilled to have recently embarked on a journey of productive discussions with GIFS. This collaboration holds immense potential to accelerate and advance both plant and crop breeding innovation in Canada. It is an exciting time in the world of agriculture, and the accelerated breeding in these critical areas will help position Canadian farmers on the global stage.
We highly value our collaboration with GIFS and the contributions of our stakeholders, and we are dedicated to developing solutions that deliver substantial benefits for Western Canadian farmers, ensuring their prosperity and success in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
“This is a great investment in Canadian agriculture. Core funding at this level will enable the team at GFIS to significantly advance plant genetic-based research and development,” commented Mark Olson, Interim Executive Director of WCI.
WCI is Western Canada’s specialized, independent breeding centre, with a farm-first focus from the lab to the field. We are uniquely building on a P3 platform that encourages investment from producer organizations, private industry, and government. This mix of stakeholders can drive tremendous impact across the value chain and make WCI the go-to breeding center for varietal development.
WCI’s objective is to pioneer a unique platform integrating research, extension, and agronomy. This innovative approach not only sets us on a distinctive path but also positions us as a fundamental part of the evolving crop industry in Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Mark Olson: Interim Executive Director, 403-861-8854
Jason Lenz: Interim Chair, 403-358-8876