$93 million being invested into Canadian ag-related research

Jul 22, 2015

Investment will also help create jobs

As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the need for food and the need to understand issues including climate changes.

Understanding the ways plants, livestock, fish and other species interact with one another has been largely left a mystery.

Various organizations including the Canadian government are investing $93 million into 11 genomics (DNA sequencing methods) projects.

The projects are funded under Genome Canada’s 2014 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition: Genomics and Feeding the Future.

"Our government is committed to moving ideas from the lab to the marketplace more quickly, strengthening Canada's economy while creating jobs for Canadians,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Today's investment will harness Canada's strength in genomics research to provide a boost to our agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries in Saskatchewan and across Canada in order to compete and win in the global marketplace.”

Some of the projects include the University of Saskatchewan receiving $15.5 million to help other research teams develop vaccines against infectious diseases affecting cattle and develop lentil varieties that can succeed in Canadian growing conditions.

"The outstanding success of our researchers in this competition builds on our signature area of agriculture and demonstrates that the U of S is building significant capacity in areas where national and global food security solutions are required,” said Dr. Karen Chad, Vice-President of Research, University of Saskatchewan. “This new knowledge is critical to help address the projected doubling of world food demand by 2050.”

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors make up more than 8% of Canada’s GDP and employed 2.1 million people as of 2011.

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.