Funding boost announced for barley research in Western Canada

The federal government has invested over $5 million into the barley sector, aimed at creating more resilient varieties that can handle climate change.

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay on June 12 announced $5,257,073 earmarked for the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. The funding echoes similar announcements for research clusters dedicated to commodities like canola and pulses.

Why it matters: Government says more resilient and sustainable barley will help Canadian growers remain competitive in world markets.

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“Our hardworking barley producers provide top-quality grain to so many industries, from the livestock sector to the Canadian brewing industry,” MacAulay said in a press release.

“This vitally important research will help producers incorporate climate-resilient barely crops into their operations and increase the profitability and sustainability of their farms.”

The investment will also support sustainable economic growth in Saskatchewan and Alberta, which are big barley producing provinces, said Dan Vandal, federal minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

“The project aims to respond to climate change in ways that spur economic development and is an example of how the Framework for a Green Prairie Economy moves us closer to our goal of creating a stronger, sustainable economic future together,” Vandal said.

Cody Glenn, chair of the Canadian Barley Research Coalition and farmer near Climax, Sask., said barley is an important crop, and “this research will go a long way towards ensuring barley remains a profitable and sustainable crop option.”

Also on June 12, the Western Grains Research Foundation announced it would invest over $1 million in the Barley Cluster over five years to support research on developing new varieties. The foundation will focus on agronomy, knowledge transfer and pathology within the barley sector.

The cluster will be administered by the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. According to the WGRF, it has a value of $9.6 million.

– Miranda Leybourne is a reporter for the Manitoba Co-operator. You can reach her by email at: [email protected]