Agriculture and Climate Change (Commonwealth Union) _ The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) has solidified its commitment to agricultural innovation with the renewal of a five-year funding agreement with the province. Founded in 2012 and situated at the University of Saskatchewan, GIFS serves as a pivotal research and development hub in the realm of agri-science.
The $15 million in renewed funding will sustain critical operations, facilitating essential activities such as crop breeding, bioinformatics, data analytics, and technology development aimed at facilitating the commercialization of novel agricultural products.
Steve Webb, CEO of GIFS, underscored the significance of the investment in fostering collaboration with partners on market-facing initiatives. These include accelerated breeding programs, bio manufacturing endeavours, and policy and regulatory efforts geared towards enhancing Saskatchewan and Canada’s capacity for sustainable food production to meet the demands of a growing global population.
“We operate within the translational space, complementing the core University and industry knowledge by bridging the gap and facilitating the transition of inventions from the innovation pipeline to the marketplace,” stated Webb.
GIFS has successfully attracted top-tier agriculture research scientists from across the globe, reinforcing its commitment to advancing agricultural practices and technologies. The institute’s overarching goal is to expedite the delivery of innovative products into the hands of growers both domestically and internationally.
Agriculture Minister David Marit lauded the funding agreement, emphasizing its pivotal role in maintaining Saskatchewan’s position as a global leader in agricultural technology, production, and sustainability. Marit highlighted GIFS’s track record in spearheading impactful projects, such as a recent study showcasing Saskatchewan’s exemplary sustainability practices in crop production.
The study, conducted over two years, demonstrated that Saskatchewan farmers boast one of the world’s smallest carbon footprints in the production of major field crops, including canola, wheat, field peas, durum wheat, and lentils. This finding underscores Saskatchewan’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and provides valuable insights for customers seeking environmentally-conscious agricultural products.
Investments in research initiatives led by GIFS and similar institutions are integral to ensuring Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector remains competitive, productive, and innovative. By supporting ground breaking research endeavours, Saskatchewan is poised to maintain its status as a global leader in agriculture while fostering a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.
GIFS’s reputation for excellence continues to attract top talent from around the world, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for agricultural research and innovation.
