CANADA – The Canadian government announced an investment of up to C$3.04 (US$2.2) million over five years to support grain and oilseeds producers in Atlantic Canada.
This investment, which aims to address unique regional issues such as growing conditions, production challenges, and agronomy, will be administered through the Atlantic Grains Council as part of the AgriScience Program—Projects Component under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Researchers will focus on adapting to a changing climate, enhancing soil health, and improving the production and quality of grains and oilseeds to ensure sustainability and competitiveness.
A key initiative within this project is the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), which helps local farmers understand their yield potential and identify factors limiting it.
YEN also provides real-time data on trends affecting production, yield, quality, and environmental impacts, offering valuable insights into crop performance.
“The agricultural sector is an important economic driver for our region,” said Heath MacDonald, member of Parliament for Malpeque, Prince Edward Island, who announced the funding on July 11 on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
“These hard-working men and women need access to resources to stay on the cutting edge. With this funding to the Atlantic Grains Council, scientists will focus on issues important for farmers to provide the best possible outcomes.”
In a collaborative effort to support the AgriScience Program investment, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in conjunction with provincial agriculture departments in the Maritimes, is jointly contributing an additional C$1.25 (US$ 0.9) million in Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding.
This investment, a testament to our shared commitment, is cost-shared, with 60% coming from federal funds and 40% from provincial sources.
Atlantic Canada is home to 233 grain and oilseed farms, which generated approximately C$113.8 (US$83.18) million for producers in 2023. In 2024, over 270,000 acres of barley, canola, grain corn, oats, rye, soybeans, and wheat have been planted, with the majority of these crops providing feed for livestock and aquaculture sectors.
“As a farmer myself, I know firsthand the challenges that producers can face when it comes to getting their top-quality products to market,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By investing in research that helps producers better adapt to the unique climate and soil conditions here in Atlantic Canada, we can help them increase their production and stay competitive.”
Established in 1984, the Atlantic Grains Council is a pivotal player in the research landscape and represents all grain and oilseed producers in the Atlantic region, including wheat, corn, soybeans, oats, barley, and peas.
The AgriScience Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership aims to accelerate innovation by funding and supporting pre-commercial science activities and research that benefit the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.
“As producers, we face many challenges as we produce our crops, adapt to climate change, and address food security,” said Roy Culbertson, chair of the Atlantic Grains Council.
“We need research to help find a path forward. I want to thank Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for supporting this project through their programs and their science team, the provinces for their contribution, and the producers who contribute their Research Check-off contributions.”
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