U of S College of AgBio receives $550,000 in industry funding to support agri-food research

Stuart Smyth's research with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His research focuses on the shift of global agriculture required to feed the growing population and the benefits associated to producers and consumers.

"While the latter part of the 20th century was dominated by innovation in telecommunications and computing technologies, the 21st century will be largely dominated by innovations in food technology," said Smyth. "The College of Agriculture and Bioresources is uniquely positioned to be the leading ag college in Canada to integrate plant, animal, food and policy research. The ability to undertake collaborative research that integrates all aspects of food production, processing, distribution and consumption is truly unparalleled in Canada."

Smyth's research also strives to improve the regulatory capacity and efficiency for these transformative products, and will highlight the costs to producers, technology developers and consumers caused by delays stemming from the commercialization of these food technologies.

"The College of Agriculture and Bioresources' commitment to innovation and public relevance is strengthened by the way Dr. Smyth addresses important and emerging trends in the agri-food industry," said Mary Buhr, dean of the college. "His research will extend that commitment as he examines ways to improve regulatory capacity and efficiency. This generous gift from our partners will go a long way in helping educate and grow the future of agriculture, not just Saskatchewan, but globally as well."

"Our industry partners that have invested in this research have shown their commitment to innovation in both the natural and social sciences and the launch of this research signals the cutting-edge agri-food research capacity within the department and the college," said Smyth.

Funding for this research includes $150,000 from Bayer Crop Science, $150,000 from Monsanto, $150,000 from Syngenta, $90,000 from SaskCanola and $50,000 from CropLife Canada. An event was held in Ottawa today to recognize these contributions, with representatives from the partner firms in attendance.

The College of Agriculture and Bioresources continues to build on a legacy of co-operative partnerships and innovative research its role in the development of agriculture and food industries in Saskatchewan. With a proven record as an international leader in applied research and scholarship, the college actively pursues knowledge across a wide range of scientific and social domains, from food and bio-product sciences, environment, and ecology, to community and sustainable production systems.

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For more information, contact:

Brittany Stevens
Communications Co-ordinator
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
306-966-6873
brittany.stevens@usask.ca