BMO's donation supports Soil Analytical Laboratory and the Jarislowsky and BMO Research Chair in Regenerative Agriculture. (submitted photo/Christina Weese)

By Alice McFarlane

funding for the University of Saskatchewan

BMO donation to USask supports research in regenative agriculture

Apr 13, 2023 | 4:14 PM

A significant contribution to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be used to push forward research focused on the future of food in Canada.

BMO Financial Groups will contribute $2 million to the institution based in Saskatoon for a soil analytical lab as well as a new research chair position.

BMO Private Wealth Canada Regional President June Zimmer said after touring the university facilities, she said it was exciting to see the incredible work the graduate students are already doing.

“We’re looking to support critical research into regenerative agriculture. The investment is also going to help support the harnessing digital capabilities, which will share data and grow understanding from those labs,” she said. “Thirdly, we’re really excited to be able to enable world leading training for students in advanced agricultural practices.”

The soil analytical laboratory will expand on work on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics, a highput spectroscopic will be built to provide a rapid assessment of soil properties including plant-available nutrients, build a soil database to better understand the interactions between soil function and above-ground crop performance.

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Dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn said this will create opportunities for students in some of the world’s most advanced agriculture practices.

“Expanding our research capacity in regenerative agriculture and our analytical capacity in soil health will accelerate development of targeted solutions for food security while protecting our natural resources,” Bedard-Haughn said.

BMO’s gift is part of the university’s upcoming Be What the World Needs campaign.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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