Edmonton, AB, July 21, 2025 – RDAR, a leader in results-driven agricultural research in Canada, is proud to mark its fifth anniversary, celebrating a half-decade of driving innovation, supporting producers, and strengthening Alberta’s agriculture sector.
Since its founding in 2020, RDAR has evolved from a bold vision into a cornerstone of agricultural research and development in Alberta and a respected national leader in the area of agricultural research.
Over the past five years, RDAR has:
· Funded 500+ research projects.
· Supported more than 2,000 jobs.
· Achieved 3x leverage on its research investments.
· Distributed over $40 million directly to farmers and ranchers through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).
· Completed 181 projects, delivering results to producers through its Final Mile™ approach.
Driving Innovation Across the Sector
RDAR’s investments have advanced critical areas of agriculture, including:
· Crop and livestock productivity: driving the uptake of genetics and genomic tools to accelerate and then deliver innovations to farmers and ranchers.
· Water management: Improving irrigation efficiency and precision agriculture.
· Value-added processing: Supporting companies like PIP International Inc. in pea protein innovation.
· Digital agriculture: Enabling precision mapping, remote sensing, and data-driven decision-making.
Collaboration and Stewardship
RDAR’s success is built on its strong partnerships with producers, researchers, industry, and government. In its first 5 years, the organization has:
· Co-funded impactful research across sectors.
· Supported environmental stewardship and climate resilience on over 1 million acres.
· Ensured 55% of projects reach farms within three years, accelerating adoption.
· Maintained strong governance and transparency, with Leger survey confirming RDAR’s leadership and accountability.
A Message from the RDAR Chair
“As Board Chair, I am incredibly proud of what RDAR has accomplished in just five years,” said Dr. David Chalack, DVM, ICD.D. “We’ve built a producer-led organization that not only funds research but ensures it reaches the hands of those who need it most. RDAR is delivering real results, and I’m confident the next five years will bring even greater impact for Alberta’s agriculture sector.”
Over its first five years, RDAR has established itself as an essential driver of innovation and growth. Through its producer-guided approach, strategic investments, and dedication to promoting the adoption of research outcomes through the Final Mile™, RDAR has achieved tangible results that have substantially strengthened Alberta's agriculture industry.
Looking ahead, RDAR's strategic focus on measurable outcomes and proactive solutions for emerging challenges will continue to cultivate positive returns on investment, enhance productivity, and improve farm sustainability, securing a resilient and prosperous future for Alberta's agriculture for the next five years and beyond.
About RDAR
RDAR is a not-for-profit organization mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power 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
Media Contact:
For all enquiries, please contact:
Richard Hilton, Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications
richard.hilton@rdar.ca