Feds Invest in Canada’s Oat Industry

Jan 22, 2014

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Canada’s oat sector received a $3.7 million dollar boost from Ottawa today. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced funding to the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) at Manitoba Ag Days, Canada’s largest indoor farm show.

The more than $3 million investment will be directed at three research projects from supporting the development of new oat varieties to research into the potential health benefits of oat beta-glucan in improving horses’ immune systems.

Here is a breakdown of the funds:

• Development of new oat varieties - $2,905,829
• Creation of a new system to identify desirable traits in oats - $ 151,500
• Oat beta-glucan horse research project - $109,500
• Fund a marketing campaign targeted at the American equine market - $600,000

“Our Government remains committed to growing the economy, and oat growers play a vital role in creating jobs and keeping our economy strong here in Manitoba and across Canada. By providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed, this investment will help grow consumer demand for oats and expand market opportunities,” Ritz said in a news release.

The funding was made possible through the AgriInnovation Program, under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework. Canada is the largest exporter of oats in the world. In 2012, the oat industry exported $620 million worth of oats around the globe.

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.