Wheat commissions commit millions to research

Aug 13, 2019 | 4:55 PM

Wheat commissions in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba have provided $17.9 million to 81 wheat research projects during the 2018-2019 crop year.

Sask Wheat provided funding toward the development of new wheat varieties with improved genetics along with research into pest management, agronomic practices and grain storage.

Board Chair Laura Reiter said the provincial organization committed over $8.8 million to 48 projects, including over $3.1 million to 15 projects under the Wheat Cluster.

A key project will be research into fusarium head blight resistance by Dr. Randy Kutcher of the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre.

“The diversity of projects that Sask Wheat was able to invest in this year on behalf of Saskatchewan wheat farmers will create new opportunities, build on innovative research, and enhance the long-term viability of growing wheat,” Reiter said in a news release. “Collaborating with Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association and the organizations participating in the Wheat Cluster enhances our efforts as a commission and strengthens the prospects for Canadian wheat in the global marketplace.”