OLDS — Olds College and Lethbridge College have hammered out a deal to co-operate on research, resources and data for the province’s agriculture industry.
To that end, representatives of both facilities have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the matter focusing on applied agriculture research.
To launch the agreement, both colleges have signed on to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), becoming the first two colleges in Alberta, and among the first colleges in Canada, to sign the accord.
The MOU initially covers a three-year period and will be governed by a joint committee of representatives from both institutions.
Both colleges are committed to supporting sustainable practices, in particular the stated SDGs of zero hunger; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; responsible consumption and production; and partnerships.
The two colleges will work together to identify joint projects, refer companies to each other based on the best fit with infrastructure and research expertise, as well as share relevant data and data networks.
Both colleges have agriculture-based technology access centres which offer industry support through fee-for-service research activities. They plan to work collaboratively to provide an attractive, consistent and competitive fee structure for industry partners.
“Olds College and Lethbridge College have a history of addressing the key issues and opportunities of Alberta’s agriculture sector, including through our growing applied research programs,” Olds College president Stuart Cullum said in a news release.
“Our impact is significantly enhanced through collaboration and information sharing and this MOU formalizes our intent to work more closely in support of Alberta’s agriculture industry and our province’s economic recovery.
“By signing the SDG accord, we also are embracing the leadership that the agriculture sector demonstrates and our roles in enhancing it for the benefit of our industry, our institutions and our students.”
— With files from Blayne Meek, director, marketing, communications & conference services for Olds College.
