The University of Saskatchewan announced a $5-million donation on Friday from A&W to support the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).
“A&W is deeply committed to the Canadian beef and forage industry,” said Jefferson Mooney, chairman emeritus, A&W. “Our investment is an investment in the future of Canadian food and best practices to make that food.”
The money will be used to fund three initiatives at the LFCE.
- The construction of the Livestock and Food Building ($3 million) as ‘the heart of livestock operations’ at the centre, and a location for research and education near Clavet.
- Creating a community outreach and engagement program ($1 million), offering presentations and seminars for consumers and industry representatives.
- Establishing a visiting fellowship in One Health research ($1 million).
“The LFCE project epitomizes the university’s One Health initiative, bridging the gaps between human, animal, and ecosystem health. This could not be accomplished without a strong network of collaborators, whose support will help position the LFCE as a global leader in beef cattle and forage research and innovation, and provide science-based solutions to real-world challenges.”
Celebrating A&W donation to the Livestock and Food Building at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence pic.twitter.com/yLnUJDrQyK
— U of S AgBio (@agbiousask) December 1, 2017
A U of S spokesperson says naming rights associated with the donation have yet to be determined.
The LFCE has thus far received contributions from the federal and provincial governments ($10 million through Growing Forward 2); the Government of Canada’s Western Economic Diversification Fund ($4.47 million); the University of Saskatchewan ($10 million); and from the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association ($1 million).
Two new facilities for the LFCE are expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.
The total cost of the centre is projected to be $36 million.
Update: A&W will be listed as a founding partner, and the fellowship will be called the “A&W Visiting Fellowship in One Health Research”.
Related:
- Livestock centre of excellence receives $4.5 million from federal gov’t
- New Centre of Excellence to bring livestock chain research together
