Under the AgriScience program within the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) is set to receive $1,982,915 to improve oat varieties for the Canadian oat industry.
“The breeding work being done in Brandon at the AAFC location would not be possible without the continued support of the Government of Canada and all the industry funders including AustGrains, Emerson Milling, FP Genetics, General Mills, Grain Millers, POGA, Richardson International and SeCan,” says Jenneth Johanson, resident of POGA.
“In order to ensure oats remain a viable and competitive option for our producers in Western Canada (and continues to support a significant value added industry), continued investment in varietal improvements is essential. The investment is a true demonstration of the collaboration of the oat industry and its dedication to continue to deliver this healthy, safe and nutritious product into the homes of consumers across the globe.”
Canada produces about three million tonnes of high quality oats each year, and is the largest exporter of oats in the world. Western Canada represents nearly 90 per cent of Canada’s oat production.
The money will go towards projects aimed at developing new oat cultivars suited for production in western Canada. The cultivars developed will have end-use quality identified by the industry, and will carry genetic resistance to major diseases, pests and adverse environmental and changing climatic conditions.
“The Canadian grain industry constantly innovates to remain strong and competitive. By supporting cutting-edge research in the oat industry, we are proud to help Prairie producers overcome the agronomic challenges they face today,” says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
