Letters of Intent Process Planned for Next Pulse Science Research Cluster

Sep 29, 2026

The Canadian pulse industry is preparing for the next Pulse Science Cluster, with a call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) planned for November 1 to December 18, 2026.

Researchers considering potential projects are encouraged to review the 2026 National Pulse Research Strategy, which identifies the research priorities of Canada’s pulse sector and will serve as an important reference point as potential projects for the next Cluster are developed. The strategy was developed with guidance from pulse grower organizations across Canada, scientific experts, researchers, customers and other value chain stakeholders.

The Clusters Component of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriScience Program is intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through investment in pre-commercial science and research activities. The next Cluster is expected to provide up to five years of collaborative research and development support, from April 2028 to March 2033.

While the federal government has not yet announced the specific national themes for the next Cluster, the Halifax Statement outlined four core priority areas to guide Canada’s Next Policy Framework:

Economic growth and competitiveness
Diversifying markets and increasing trade
Advancing science, research and innovation
Enhancing sector resilience

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Video: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?

At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.

Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.

These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.