The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan has received a $1.6 million investment from PrairiesCan to support a genomic selection-based accelerated breeding program.
The funding was part of a $4.6 million announcement to support multiple initiatives within Saskatchewan's agriculture sector. The announcement was made by the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), during a visit to GIFS on Tuesday.
"PrairiesCan's latest investment builds on its earlier investment into GIFS, strengthening our outcomes-driven, team-based model. By integrating cutting-edge platforms high-throughput genotyping, engineering biology and data analytics we deliver real-world impact through market-facing programs like our FCC Accelerated Breeding Program and Biomanufacturing," said Dr. Steven Webb (PhD), GIFS CEO.
"Our unique model unmatched in Canada and uncommon globally closes a critical innovation gap, reducing risk and accelerating the path from discovery to market for partners."
"The Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan is committed to providing innovative solutions to feed the world's growing population," said USask Vice-President of Research Dr. Baljit Singh (PhD). "By building a robust accelerated breeding program, we aim to further enhance the inroads we've made in this growing field. These enhancements would not be possible without the continued support of PrairiesCan, and we thank them for their support and dedication to advancing and elevating the positive impact for Canada's agri-food sector."
During a visit to GIFS on Tuesday, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced investments into multiple projects within Saskatchewan's agriculture sector. (Photo: GIFS)
Read the full announcement below.
GIFS is developing a genomic selection-based accelerated breeding program that will extend advanced breeding capabilities to companies and breeding organizations, bringing higher-yielding and higher-quality livestock, pulses, and other crops to market quicker. This investment builds on previous support to GIFS, including $2.5 million in 2022 which helped build Canada's only biomanufacturing facility advancing sustainable agriculture and innovative food ingredients.
To learn more about the FCC Accelerated Breeding Program at GIFS, see gifs.ca/programs/accelerated-breeding.
For more information
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