U of A Animal health research get a $3.44M funding injection

Research is key to the success of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers.

In March 2020, the Federal government finalized a $3.44-million funding agreement to help the University of Alberta launch a pilot project to expand its diagnostic service unit for animal disease diagnosis and welfare until February 2024.

This will create an animal disease and diagnosis welfare capacity at the university, which will provide diagnostic pathology, bacteriology and other testing services to the province’s veterinarians.

The pilot project is a made-in-Alberta solution for quicker, more affordable results for vets and producers, and greater learning opportunities for the university’s students.

U of A Animal health research get a $3.44M funding injection

“Our livestock producers take great pride in caring for the health and well-being of their animals. Increased access to quick and affordable diagnostic testing will support them in managing their livestock health, so they can continue to put safe, quality food on the tables of Canadians.” Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Research is key to the success of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers. It draws in strategic investments that create high-quality and rewarding jobs while ensuring agriculture continues to lead Alberta’s economic recovery.

This agreement is a part of the Alberta government’s commitment to ensuring farmers and ranchers lead agriculture research priorities – not government. Establishing Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), an arm’s-length non-profit corporation, is a first step in making sure research funding priorities are producer-led. Over the long term, RDAR will assume ongoing responsibility for the funding agreement with the University of Calgary.

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.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments, with the aim of strengthening the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.

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