The Canadian government has announced a five-year plan to invest almost C$5M (US$3.6M) in developing new agronomic technologies, adaptive crop varieties and cropping systems to address environmental challenges.
The investment would help ensure the long-term sustainability of crops such as canola, soyabeans and mustard, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food said on 4 October.
As part of the plan, up to C$4.34M (US$3.14M) would be provided over five years to the Eastern Canada Oilseed Development Alliance (ECODA) through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This funding would allow the ECODA and its partners to develop new agronomic technologies, improved cropping systems and adaptive crop varieties to address environmental challenges such as climate change and soil degradation, the ministry said.
The project’s aim is to improve the long-term security and sustainability of the Eastern Canadian oilseed industry by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, coordinating knowledge transfer among stakeholders and improving soil health, crop resilience and yields.
“Oilseed crops are a vital part of farming here in Eastern Canada,” agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay said.
“This support will help farmers stay ahead of challenges like climate change, while keeping their crops healthy and their farms productive.”
In 2023, oilseeds were planted on just over 4M acres (1.61ha) in Eastern Canada with 70% of this area producing soyabeans. The region accounts for 14% of oilseed planted area and 22% of total production.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year C$3.5bn (US$2.5bn) agreement (2023-2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.
Under the Sustainable CAP, the AgriScience Program aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.
