The three Prairie provincial canola grower associations have evaluated and selected 11 canola research projects to receive funding under the Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) in 2026. This investment includes over $2.4 million from Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds and Manitoba Canola Growers, as well as over $495,000 from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) and over $1 million from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), bringing the total investment to $4 million.
Driven by grower associations and supported by a robust, collaborative research priority development and proposal review system, CARP enables the funding of projects that are key to advancing canola productivity and mitigating production threats. The funded projects regularly provide new strategies for managing pests and diseases, addressing emerging threats such as weeds and viral infections, and supporting a more resilient canola crop. Grower associations are pleased to collaborate with the RDAR and WGRF, enabling greater innovation and discovery through aligned research priorities.
“As capacity among public research institutions decrease, grower-led investment isn’t just an option anymore. It’s critical to the longevity of our industry,” says Cheryl Westman, Alberta Canola Research Chair. “Being a part of CARP allows Canadian canola growers to fund research that directly impacts their own farms, ensuring they have the tools to remain profitable and productive in a rapidly evolving environment.”
“The WGRF funding of canola research continues to be an investment for the benefit of canola growers,” says Laura Reiter, WGRF Board Chair. “The genetic improvement and disease risks facing canola production need to be researched to find solutions for canola production.”
Clinton Dobson, Vice President, Research, RDAR, said: “RDAR is proud to make key research investments with our funding partners, to address diseases, viruses and weed pressures that hinder producer productivity and profitability. The strategic approach in the CARP call will drive positive solutions for canola farmers.”
Canola research projects funded in the CARP 2026 intake include:
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