The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $16.3 million in grant funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 101 projects under the Research and Innovation Program over the next three years, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
"Folks around the world are looking for more sustainable agri-food products and I know our producers can deliver," said MacAulay. "By investing in research and innovation across the value chain, we can address current and future challenges and help make sure the sector remains resilient, competitive, and efficient."
The funding will go towards research and capacity building to accelerate innovation in agriculture in Manitoba, supporting companies that are leading innovative research and putting Manitoba at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research.
"Research and innovation drives growth and economic development in rural Manitoba," said Kostyshyn. "Manitoba researchers are leading the way with innovative ways to make life more productive and more profitable for producers. We're investing in them so they can better feed Manitoba and feed the world."
Projects improve sustainability, resiliency and competitiveness of agriculture and agri-food sectors by accelerating the development and adoption of technologies and products that enhance efficiency and sustainability while addressing challenges such as climate change. Funding is available for stakeholders including primary producers, Agri-Processors, industry organizations, academic institutions and research bodies, industry service providers and Indigenous governments, communities, and groups.
"Researchers at the University of Manitoba welcome this valuable support to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural systems and tools that will benefit producers and consumers," said Dr. Martin Scanlon, dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba. "The training opportunities enabled by these projects will ensure our students play a pivotal role in the future of the Canadian agricultural landscape."
A call for letters of intent under the Research and Innovation Program is now open for innovative industry-led research, development and capacity-building project ideas for funding commencing in spring 2025. In April 2023, more than $8.4 million was provided to support 47 projects and today an additional $7.9 million is being provided to 54 projects, for a total of 101 projects funded at $16.3 million under the Research and Innovation Program, the minister added.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and Agri-Products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For more information on Manitoba Agriculture's Sustainable CAP Research and Innovation Program, visit: https://manitoba.ca/scap/scienceresearch/research.html.
