RDAR, a leading Alberta funder of agricultural research, announced a $500,000 contribution to support Dr. Willemijn Appels, RDAR Research Chair and Senior Research Chair of the Mueller Irrigation Research Group at Lethbridge Polytechnic, as she leads efforts to establish a provincial and national hub for applied irrigation research. The investment is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
As Alberta’s irrigated agriculture sector expands, producers and irrigation partners will need practical tools, sound data, and applied expertise to improve water management, protect productivity, and make informed decisions under changing water conditions. This investment will help Dr. Appels and the Mueller Irrigation Research Group (MIRG) build on their nationally recognized work in controlled trials, technology validation, and industry-engaged research, establishing MIRG as a hub for applied irrigation science. With continued engagement from producers, commodity groups, irrigation districts, and industry partners, the work will focus on real-world challenges, including next-generation irrigation decision-support tools, the economic and regional impacts of irrigation choices, and sustainable crop production.
Speaking to today’s announcement, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, said, “Our farmers know what a valuable resource water is, relying on innovative water management solutions to help them make every drop count. Investments like this provide the research and technology farmers need to make decisions that optimize water use, support production and increase their profitability.”
Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Honourable Tara Sawyer, said: “Alberta’s irrigation sector is a major driver of agricultural productivity, rural jobs and economic growth. As we continue to modernize irrigation infrastructure, improve water use, and strengthen our producers’ resilience, applied research plays an important role in helping Alberta make the most of every drop. This investment supports practical innovation that will help producers adapt to changing growing conditions, protect water security and keep Alberta’s ag sector competitive for years to come.”
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