Western Crop Innovations (WCI) marks an important first step in building new partnerships to invest in the future of crop research in Canada.
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is a fundamental part of the crop industry and is set to become a vital player in helping our industry evolve and advance. The newly incorporated not-for-profit organization that assumed the research and development operations from the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) is proud to announce two new partnerships.
WCI is very pleased to announce that it has struck transitional support agreements with the Alberta Beef Producers, who work on behalf of beef cattle producers to maintain the Alberta and Canada beef advantage, and SeedNet Inc., a 15-year-old organization of independent growers dedicated to providing farmers with the highest-quality seed and farm inputs available.
“What is so impressive in both cases is that these two partners came to us very early in our formation and asked how they could help. They had been funders of the FCDC and recognized that it was critically important that industry producer-driven organizations send a message to institutional funders that they were prepared to invest in our future. Other partners at our gate have expressed a willingness to make funding contributions for this transitional year and our long-term stability. We are determined to satisfy their needs in the days to come to advance crop research in Western Canada.” Commented Jason Lenz, Chair of the Interim Board of Directors, WCI.
“Alberta Beef Producers is thrilled to support WCI as part of our long-standing commitment to feed grain breeding and research.” said Brad Dubeau, General Manager. “The work of organizations like WCI is essential to Alberta’s cattle producers, and we are particularly excited to contribute to advancing varieties well-suited to Alberta’s growing conditions.” Alberta Beef Producers has committed to a three-year funding agreement to address elements of the WCI business plan that will benefit its 18,000 producers across the province.
Jeff Jackson, General Manager of SeedNet, whose members have first-hand, real-life experience with the products and services they provide, added, “SeedNet has a long-standing positive relationship with the team at WCI. We believe it is vital for the entire industry, from producer to end user, to be involved in creating a sustainable model for programs like these. We are excited to continue our support and shape a positive future for WCI.”
WCI’s Interim Executive Director Mark Olson indicated that he is filled with optimism for the future based on the interest and cooperation in setting up meetings with stakeholders across the Prairies. “We are hopeful for many more of these announcements in the months ahead. Everyone appreciates how we try to ask the right questions and keep an open mind to different opportunities. They admire our methodical business-like approach to building WCI.”
We are deeply grateful for the support of partners like the Alberta Beef Producers and SeedNet. With their collaboration — and the support of the Alberta Government and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) — we have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the power of a public-private partnership at this crucial time in our industry’s history.
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For more information, please contact:
Mark Olson: Interim Executive Director, 403-861-8854
Jason Lenz: Interim Chair, 403-358-8876