The federal government last week announced funding for winter wheat and pulse crop development.
In collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will invest close to $1.3 million to research the potential of winter wheat for delivering economic and environmental benefits to farmers.
AAFC said the funds will support research to address the barriers farmers face in adopting winter wheat, such as its small window for seeding and the risk of winter damage. DUC will work with AAFC researchers to find ways through alternative seed treatments and strategies to improve plant durability, yields, and profitability of winter wheat. The results will also provide beneficial information for Canadian producers on increasing the efficiency of pest and nutrient management practices.
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Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz also announced $257,766 for Pulse Canada and $35,450 for the Canadian Special Crops Association to help the CSCA reach out to buyers at key international food shows and develop marketing materials to promote the industry.
Last year, Canada exported more than $2 billion of pulse products to more than 150 countries. About 75 per cent of Canadian pulse production is exported, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the global pulse trade.
