RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) is pleased to announce a major investment of $2,137,650 in Western Crop Innovations (WCI), supporting the next phase of feed and forage crop breeding for Alberta’s agriculture sector. This decision reflects RDAR’s commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and producer value in Western Canadian agriculture. The funds are drawn from the Strategic Research and Development Program that RDAR manages on behalf of the Government of Alberta.
The approved funding will enable WCI to accelerate the development of high-performing feed and forage barley and triticale varieties, supporting Alberta’s livestock and cropping sectors with resilient, high-yielding, and quality-focused options. This investment aligns with RDAR’s vision to foster a competitive and sustainable agriculture industry by supporting research that delivers tangible benefits to producers and the broader value chain.
In addition to the funding decision, the RDAR Board has determined that a third-party, independent scientific review of WCI’s assets and breeding program will be conducted. This review, to be led by recognized experts in crop breeding and program modernization, will assess WCI’s scientific leadership, infrastructure, breeding methodologies, and partnerships. The findings will inform a modernization action plan, ensuring WCI is positioned as a Centre of Excellence for feed and forage crop breeding in Western Canada.
“Agriculture is a core sector of Alberta's economy and our government continues to support investments that will drive further innovation in crop development. This strategic and significant investment by RDAR directly benefits our farmers and ranchers while positioning Alberta as a world-class leader in the development of high-quality feed and forage varieties that are critical to the sustainability and growth of our agriculture sector."
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