The $37-million annual agreement will see the organization prioritize agriculture research projects that reflect the needs of farmers and ranchers in Alberta.
RDAR has also finalized its initial research priorities and will release a targeted call for proposals.
“Alberta’s farmers and ranchers told us that they wanted to direct research priorities – not government. We heard that loud and clear, and so this agreement puts them in the driver’s seat. RDAR will transform agriculture research in Alberta and help our agriculture sector compete internationally.”
RDAR research priorities include:
- Enhanced productivity, profitability and competitiveness
- Sustainable and responsible agricultural production
- Market demands: food safety, quality, value-added products and diversification
- Extension and knowledge transfer
This 10 year agreement is part of the Alberta government’s commitment to ensure farmers and ranchers lead agriculture research priorities.
Under this new model, agricultural research in Alberta will lead to tangible benefits for farmers, including higher profits, a more abundant food supply at lower cost for Albertans and ultimately a higher quality of life in rural communities.
“This milestone allows RDAR to operate fully, start to fund projects to get the results that matter most to Alberta’s producers, while contributing to a strong, vibrant and profitable agriculture industry in Alberta. RDAR is where big ideas grow.”
Quick facts
- Established in March, RDAR is a non-profit producer-led company that operates at arm’s length from the Government of Alberta.
- It determines and funds industry-wide research priorities to enhance producers’ competitive advantage.