Pulse Crop Lab Gets Federal Grant

SASKATOON - Jan 18/05 - SNS -- The Canadian government is giving the University of Saskatchewan $750,000 to help construct the university's new $3-million pulse crop research lab. The money will be directed through Western Economic Diversification Canada.

The lab is being built as an addition to the existing U of S Crop Science Field Laboratory near the corner of 108th Street and Preston Avenue in Saskatoon. Slated for completion in the fall of 2005, the university says it will be the only facility of its kind in Canada.

"Saskatchewan is already a world leader in pulse crop development and production," says Rick Holm, director at the U of S Crop Development Centre. "This world-class center will help keep us in the lead as we develop new varieties, improve disease resistance and agronomic traits, and improve quality for both producer and consumer."

The announcement comes on the heels of the largest private industry donation so far: $125,000 from the crop protection company BASF announced on January 11, part of $750,000 being sought from industry partners.

Other major contributors, including Philom Bios, Nitragin Inc. Bayer CropScience, Bourgault Industries, Bourgault Tillage Tools, Saskcan Pulse Trading, E.I. DuPont Canada Company, Belle Pulses Ltd. and Simpson Seeds Ltd. have stepped up with significant investments in the project.

The remaining $2.25 million for the project is being funded by various federal and provincial government sources, including $1.5 million from the Canada-Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovation Fund. With today’s announcement, a little more than $294,000 remains to be raised.