News & Updates

First Call for Applications!

2020-10-22

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is excited to launch its inaugural $4 million call for producer-led, agriculture research proposals – investing in ideas that will increase the competitiveness and profitability of Alberta’s agriculture industry.

Through collaborative consultation with our industry partners and Advisory Committee, RDAR has identified four targeted research priorities for its first research call:

  • Soil Health and Quality
  • Water Quality and Efficiency
  • Feed Production
  • Plant and Animal Diseases and Pests

Proposals from researchers will be due on November 19, 2020 with final funding decisions in mid-December 2020.

For detailed information about the four research priorities click here.

RDAR will allocate up to $4 million in funding towards research projects and the extension of project results developed through the research call.

At RDAR, we embrace scientific exploration – expanding Alberta’s frontiers of agriculture research to develop solutions that benefit producers and consumers alike for a more forward-looking and profitable industry. We are led by the thinking that there is always a better way.

In October, RDAR and Agriculture and Forestry reached a funding agreement for agriculture research. The $37-million annual agreement will see RDAR prioritize and fund agriculture research projects that reflect the needs of farmers and ranchers in Alberta.

To read the news release click here.

To positively impact Alberta’s agriculture industry, RDAR is proud to launch its inaugural call for targeted research proposals.

“RDAR’s call for research proposals is another huge step for farmer-led research in Alberta. I look forward to seeing Alberta’s farmers and ranchers in the driver’s seat of agriculture research, ensuring results in the lab find their way to the field.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

“This milestone allows RDAR to operate fully, start to fund projects to get the results that
matter foremost to Alberta’s producers, while contributing to a strong, vibrant and profitable agriculture industry in Alberta. RDAR is where big ideas grow.”

Dr. David Chalack, Chair, Results Driven Agriculture Research

This targeted call for proposals supports the success of Alberta’s agriculture industry by reducing production costs, increasing efficiency, enhancing sustainability and reducing risks in priority areas important to Alberta’s producers.

“RDAR is focused on research and innovation benefiting Alberta’s agricultural industry. This targeted call for proposals will invest in innovative ideas which will create new opportunities to increase the profitability and competitiveness of Alberta’s diverse agri-food sector.”

Dr. Stanford Blade, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta

Proposal Submission Key Dates

  • October 22, 2020: Call for proposals announced
  • November 19, 2020: Proposals due
  • Mid-December 2020: Funding decisions.

For detailed proposal submission information click here.

About RDAR

Established in March 2020, RDAR is a non-profit, arms-length agriculture research funding
organization. It will be responsible for establishing Alberta’s agriculture research priorities, ensuring they meet the needs of producers in Alberta’s agriculture industry.

RDAR enables Alberta producers to lead the agriculture industry. By collaborating with scientists and researchers, we tap into existing talent and fund ideas generated by innovators to push Alberta’s boundaries of agriculture potential. Big ideas are here; RDAR helps them grow.