FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lacombe, AB – March 5, 2025 – Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is thrilled to announce that the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, led by the Honourable Minister RJ Sigurdson, has doubled its investment in WCI for the second year of its operations. This increase in support follows the successful transition of WCI’s barley and triticale breeding programs from Olds College to an independent, not-for-profit corporation.
The additional $2.4 million in operational and capital funding for 2025 will empower WCI to drive research as a key competitive advantage in Alberta’s agricultural sector. This funding is part of a three-year investment plan designed to provide operational stability and ensure the continued advancement of crop breeding initiatives in the province. However, additional funding support remains essential under WCI’s membership-based model to sustain and expand its research and development efforts.
According to the 2025-2026 Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Business Plan:
“The unique Western Crop Innovations model enables a stronger role for industry to carry out research and development of plant breeding priorities while attracting industry funding.”
This announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for WCI: the Prairie Grain Development Committee’s (PGDC) approval of all five of WCI’s varietal submissions for registration at its annual meeting in Winnipeg. This achievement further solidifies WCI’s role as a leader in crop innovation and development in Western Canada.
“We’ve provided operational and capital funding to ensure WCI continues to thrive and meet the needs of Alberta’s crop producers,” said Minister Sigurdson. “Agriculture research that reflects the industry’s strengths and opportunities is essential to ensuring Alberta’s ag sector remains strong and continues to grow.”
For more information on this news release, please contact:
Keeley Bender – Communications Coordinator – Western Crop Innovations – kbender@westerncropinnovations.com | (587) 436-0007