MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - A new non-profit agriculture research organization being created in Alberta will hopefully focus not only on results but also on foundational research, says Mountain View County reeve Bruce Beattie.
The Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) organization is being formed following a series of producer and other stakeholder consultations, including at Olds College last January.
“You need a certain per cent of basic research to build the foundation for future research,” said Beattie. “If you only focus on results driven I think you could miss some opportunities.
“There obviously has to be a goal in mind when you write a proposal for funding for a research project, but let’s not forget basic research, which is an important foundation for all other research.
“I guess we have to examine it a little more closely to see what role producers and producer organizations are going to play in the determination of what this might look like.”
Devin Dreeshen, area MLA and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, says the creation of RDAR will help ensure farmers direct research priorities going forward.
“RDAR will ensure Alberta’s agriculture industry has more financial flexibility and automony to fund longer-term projects,” said Dreeshen, the MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake. “Governments shouldn’t force ideology on research priorities, research priorities should be determined by industry.
“Research can be a massive springboard for economic growth and with the right focus RDAR can achieve that for Alberta’s farmers and ranchers.”
An interim board and CAO has been established with the intention of having the new organization fully operational by March 2021.
“We know a new system needs to be established with the voices of producers strongly considered and driving research initiatives while working in a collaborative environment with scientists and others,” said interim board chair Dr. David Chalack.
Producer organizations have played a key role in agriculture research in the past, said Beattie.
“I hope that is something that will continue,” said Beattie, a dairy producer. “Any investment in agricultural research is a good thing and you always get a good return on agriculture research funding.”
The province has maintained agriculture research funding at $37 million in 2020.
