Lethbridge, AB, August 27, 2026 – RDAR, a leading Alberta funder of agricultural research, announced a $500,000 contribution to support Dr. Willemijn Appels, RDAR Research Chair and Senior Research Chair of the Mueller Irrigation Research Group at Lethbridge Polytechnic, as she leads efforts to establish a provincial and national hub for applied irrigation research. The investment is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
As Alberta’s irrigated agriculture sector expands, producers and irrigation partners will need practical tools, sound data, and applied expertise to improve water management, protect productivity, and make informed decisions under changing water conditions. This investment will help Dr. Appels and the Mueller Irrigation Research Group (MIRG) build on their nationally recognized work in controlled trials, technology validation, and industry-engaged research, establishing MIRG as a hub for applied irrigation science. With continued engagement from producers, commodity groups, irrigation districts, and industry partners, the work will focus on real-world challenges, including next-generation irrigation decision-support tools, the economic and regional impacts of irrigation choices, and sustainable crop production.
Speaking to today’s announcement, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, said, “Our farmers know what a valuable resource water is, relying on innovative water management solutions to help them make every drop count. Investments like this provide the research and technology farmers need to make decisions that optimize water use, support production and increase their profitability.”
Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Honourable Tara Sawyer, said: “Alberta’s irrigation sector is a major driver of agricultural productivity, rural jobs and economic growth. As we continue to modernize irrigation infrastructure, improve water use, and strengthen our producers’ resilience, applied research plays an important role in helping Alberta make the most of every drop. This investment supports practical innovation that will help producers adapt to changing growing conditions, protect water security and keep Alberta’s ag sector competitive for years to come.”
RDAR CEO Dr. Mark Redmond commented: “Water is one of the defining issues for Alberta’s future, and applied irrigation research is essential to helping producers make decisions that improve water use, protect productivity, and support long-term resilience on their farms. Dr. Appels’ research connects science to the practical decisions producers and irrigation partners face every day, and RDAR is pleased to support her work as Alberta prepares for the water challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Dr. Appels reacted to today’s news by saying: “I’m thrilled to be starting this exciting new chapter in establishing a leading centre for irrigation innovation in Alberta. MIRG is uniquely positioned to work on issues at the field, farm, and district scale, thanks to our strong industry and government partnerships. I’m looking forward to working with RDAR on delivering meaningful outcomes for producers.”
Dr. Willemijn Appels is a hydrologist and soil physicist with 20 years of experience in agricultural water management, focusing on water-use efficiency, innovative management strategies, and the interaction between water management and agronomic practices. Dr. Appels’ work is highly respected provincially and nationally, and she is the current President of the Canadian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage. RDAR is pleased to include Dr. Appels among the professors and scientists supported by Sustainable CAP funding in Alberta.
About RDAR
RDAR is a not-for-profit organization mandated to make strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agricultural research to enhance the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. RDAR's funding is provided by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
For more information, please visit: www.rdar.ca
About the Mueller Irrigation Research Group (MIRG)
The Mueller Irrigation Research Group at Lethbridge Polytechnic advances precision irrigation research to help producers improve water management, increase crop productivity, and use resources more efficiently. Working with producers, irrigation districts, government, and industry partners, MIRG develops and tests practical technologies and decision-support tools for Alberta’s irrigated agriculture sector while providing applied research opportunities for Lethbridge Polytechnic students.
For more information, please visit: www.lethpolytech.ca
About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028), $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. 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, please visit: alberta.ca
Media Contact:
For all enquiries, please contact:
Richard Hilton, Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications
richard.hilton@rdar.ca