Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
June 29, 2023
Today, Parliamentary Secretary Francis Drouin, on behalf of federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced a funding agreement with Ag-West Bio provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Ag-West Bio will receive $9.5 million over the next 5 years to advance their work in the province's agriculture biotechnology sector.
Ag-West Bio will use the funding to support its new 2023-28 strategic plan. The four main objectives of this plan include direct support to innovative companies on the path to commercialization, creating connections and growing the ecosystem, promoting agriculture biosciences and developing a high-performing team.
Investing in Ag-West Bio supports the growth of innovation ag, food and bioscience businesses. Ag-West Bio nurtures an ecosystem that connects government, industry, scientists and entrepreneurs. Connections like these allow each group to learn and grow from one another to build a strong agriculture sector.
Quotes
"Investing in research and biotechnology drives sustainable growth for Canadian producers and industry. Now more than ever, farmers need access to cutting-edge technology and innovation to be competitive and successful, and Ag-West Bio's work is an important step to ensure Saskatchewan's biotech network continues to thrive so producers can see benefits down the line."
- Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Ag-West Bio is a key organization that connects businesses, entrepreneurs and scientists so that we advance research into the hands of producers and industry. This investment continues to illustrate government's priority towards agriculture research and the benefits it brings to the province."
- David Marit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister
"Nurturing innovation in the bioscience sector takes care, patience and the vision to play the long game. This continued funding shows that the governments see the value of our long-term efforts. This support allows us to focus on helping early-stage companies – Saskatchewan's future success stories."
- Karen Churchill, President and CEO, Ag-West Bio
Quick facts
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The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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