"Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and our grain growers in British Columbia are a great example of the hard-working farmers that help keep our economy strong," said MP Zimmer following the tour. "This investment will enable producers to evaluate and test new grain varieties in the Peace River region, helping improve their productivity and get more out of their land."
This investment of $520,000 will be used to study crop varieties that offer the best yield potential and maturity for growing conditions in the Peace River region, either via new crop management practices or by new varieties of existing crops such as canola, cereals, pulse, and flax. This project will have a direct benefit to crop producers by helping them make informed decisions about which new varieties and or cropping practices are best suited to their operations and offer improved long-term agricultural sustainability for their land.
"A working relationship between producer groups like ours, who have the expertise and experience of doing work in the Peace River region, can offer plant breeders valuable data from this unique northern region where we have an intense but short frost-free period," said Clair F. Langlois, Research Manager for the B.C. Grain Producers Association. "This is a win-win project for all involved, as it will help producers test for grain varieties that are adapted to their specific zone, allowing plant breeders to use these results to help them make better crosses for the North."
The B.C. Grain Producers Association works to improve the long-term viability and sustainability of the grains and oilseed industry in the Peace River region. The Association works with other organizations and agencies to benefit the field crop industry in the region through both co-operative research and active participation with other industry groups.
This investment is being provided through the Harper Government's $163-million Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, which aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive in global markets. In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation. This project is also being supported by the Yukon Agricultural Association.
