The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $98,970 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to upgrade the University of Manitoba’s horticulture storage facility so it can conduct innovative potato research, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today.
“Ensuring that our scientists have the tools they need to conduct their research is essential to support the resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural sector,” said Bibeau. “The work being accomplished in these potato storage facilities will help producers reduce food waste on their farms. In the end, this research should allow for the reduction of pollution and an increase in revenue.”
“Our government is proud to continue supporting research that accelerates the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Manitoba’s agricultural, agri-food and agri-product sectors,” said Johnson. “Potatoes are the fourth most valuable crop in Manitoba and are estimated to generate $1 billion per year for the provincial economy. Research and innovation are critical to developing new approaches that improve the potato sector.”
The investment will allow researchers to conduct post-harvest potato storage research that will be representative of on-farm storage at potato producer operations. The upgraded storage facility will be able to control environmental conditions, including carbon dioxide levels, temperature and humidity, Johnson noted.
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