The Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre and the Brooks Greenhouse are transitioning to Lethbridge College
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Lethbridge College and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry recently announced an agreement that increases the college’s research capacity.
In the $2-million agreement, the Province will transition the Alberta Irrigation and Technology Centre (AITC) and the Brooks Greenhouse to the college.
“That agreement really allows us to continue with the work that the Province was doing around greenhouses and irrigation, and give us access to the infrastructure. Also, we can retain five of the staff who work at both those locations,” said Dr. Kenny Corscadden. He is the associate vice-president of research, innovation and entrepreneurship at the college.
Lethbridge College will take over the 200 acres and three pivots at the AITC as well as the Brooks Greenhouse, which provides space for scientists to test crops, the release said.
This agreement “will allow our researchers to expand on the work we're doing, but also allows them to get more students and staff into the work we're doing. We have a proposal with advanced education for a degree in ag technology. Having access to land and facilities will help us provide first-class opportunities for students to have experience in working facilities,” Corscadden told Farms.com.
Because these two facilities are public, it’s important they continue to support the ag industry in Alberta, said Corscadden.
“We're here to support the industry. We value further discussions with stakeholders, and welcome anybody interested in working with us or in access to the facility to contact me. I'd be happy to talk through some options. We want to ensure that this resource is used by industry – that's what it's there for,” he said.
This agreement between the province and Lethbridge College is part of the government’s commitment to ensure farmers lead agricultural research priorities. Eventually, Results Driven Agriculture Research, an arm’s length, non-profit organization, will manage funding responsibility for the program, the release said.
Photo credit: Lethbridge College photo