Edmonton, AB, March 13, 2025 – RDAR, a leading sponsor of results-driven agriculture research in Canada, is excited to announce that, as a member organization of the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC), it will invest over $7.5 million in research grants that will deliver high-impact outcomes to Alberta’s producers.
The AFC is an 18-member body of agricultural organizations coordinating funding to support sustainability, diversification, and long-term growth in Western Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry.
The combined investment, including those by RDAR’s AFC partners, will amount to nearly $12 million supporting 40 research projects. With representation from Alberta’s major commodity groups, this investment in AFC research priorities ensures that the funded projects align with the industry’s needs and will drive productivity, profitability, and competitiveness in our agriculture sector.
The approval of AFC funding for these projects will deliver positive outcomes for Alberta agriculture commodities such as livestock (bees, beef, dairy, pork, poultry); crops (wheat, canola, pulses, potatoes); and feed and forages.
Speaking to today’s announcement, the Honourable RJ Sigurdson, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation said: “This significant investment by RDAR as part of the Agriculture Funding Consortium will provide funding to projects throughout various regions of the province and in various sectors of agriculture. This funding arrangement leverages the dollars invested which is a known positive impact of RDAR's work. With continued uncertainty in our trading relationship with the United States, these projects are essential to helping our Alberta producers be competitive, profitable and sustainable.”
Clinton Dobson, RDAR Vice President, Research, says: “The AFC funding program provides a critical boost to strategic areas of research within Alberta’s agriculture sector, allowing RDAR to provide greater support to programs that drive important innovations for producers, and consumers.”
Examples of projects approved in today’s funding announcement include:
· The expansion, validation, and optimization of rapid genetics tests for herbicide resistance – Charles Geddes, AAFC Lethbridge.
· Optimizing leafcutter bee incubator management to control the critically damaging parasitoid pest, Pteromalus venustus – Jennifer Retzlaff, Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta.
· The evaluation of a new technology to enhance cattle respiratory health -
Trevor Alexander, AAFC Lethbridge.
More information about the AFC and its work can be found at https://www.fundingconsortium.ca/.
About RDAR
RDAR is mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. As a not-for-profit organization, RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For more information, please visit: www.rdar.ca
About AFC
The AFC is a one-window destination for funding agriculture research in western Canada. Learn more about AFC Members and AFC 2024-2025 research projects.
Media Contact:
For all enquiries, please contact:
Richard Hilton, Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications
richard.hilton@rdar.ca