This week, Alberta farmers learned more about the $5.2 million in funding planned for the province's two crop diversification centres.
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson says the province's farmers directly benefit from the work being done at CDC North near Edmonton, and CDC South near Brooks.
The funding supports upgrades and replacements to greenhouses, labs, and administrative buildings at both sites, as well as research essentials such as seed, fertilizer, and pesticides.
CDC South is a production and research greenhouse facility and base of operations for plant health surveillance and field operations. It will receive $3 million for facility repairs and upgrades and $500,000 for operational support.
CDC North will receive $1.2 million for facility repairs and replacements and $500,000 for operational support.The Crop Development Centre serves a similar function to CDC South and is also home to the Alberta Plant Health Lab, the Bee Health Team, Alberta’s Seed Potato Repository and more.
Sigurdson notes that both crop diversification centres are prime examples of how successful government-industry collaboration can be.
"This funding will help ensure the researchers and support staff at both locations can continue their sector-leading work."