Vision

Mission

Fund WGRF targeted research.
Proactively respond to changing production and research funding challenges.
Fund research that provides the greatest impact (short and long-term profitability) to western Canadian grain farmers.
Collaborate with other funding agencies on research opportunities.
Focus on public research.
Monitor and support the enhanced Canadian crop research capacity.

WGRF is the leader and funder of research on cross cutting research priorities (Weed Management; Disease Management; Insect Pest Management; Plant Nutrition, Response to weather variability and climate change and Sustainable Resource Management) that address whole farm issues using multi-crop approach.
WGRF research funding encompasses a broad range of major and intermediate crops. (inclusion of emerging crops is reviewed annually).
Priority research areas are variety development and production.
WGRF collaborates with producer commodity organizations and funding agencies on research calls, funding and administration of projects.
WGRF will participate in policy discussion in relation to research capacity.
WGRF monitors and supports the enhanced research capacity, programing, research chairs and infrastructure.
WGRF to provide funding to scholarships.
New funding opportunities are leveraged.
Remaining wheat and barley funds are invested in research consistent with the priorities of the wheat and barley commissions/associations.

Understand priorities of members and stakeholders.
Describe WGRF accomplishments, priorities and initiatives to members and stakeholders.
Communicate WGRF’s research funding activities and their outcomes.
Encourage extension and knowledge transfer and the exchange of results to farmers and agronomists.

Regular interaction occurs between WGRF and members and stakeholders to share information and identify research and knowledge transfer opportunities.
Information on new project funding and outcomes of WGRF funded research is made available to farmers and agronomists.
Research results are provided to agronomists and farmers through support of extension and knowledge transfer tools and events.
A positive WGRF reputation is maintained.

Maintain charitable status as required by Canada Revenue Agency’s disbursement quota rules and ensuring that expenditures fall within those allowed as a registered charity by Canada Revenue Agency.
Maintain the research fund at a stable level.
Invest in research depending on revenue and quality and need of research.
Accept and promote charitable donations.
Members support long-term research fund investment strategy.

Research funding plan includes consideration for meeting the 5% disbursement quota required by Canada Revenue Agency for all charities.
The Research Fund is maintained at a sustainable level adjusted for inflation.
Development of effective protocol for accepting donations.
Directors and WGRF communicate the long-term Research Fund investment strategy.

Ensure all WGRF policies and procedures reflect good practices.
Maintain effective board and committee decision making processes.
Be a long-term sustainable research funder, with a sound strategic plan and highly respected for governance and decision-making processes.
Create an environment for continued growth by being receptive to new ideas and opportunities within the parameters of the vision and mission.

Board meetings are conducted regularly (minimum three per year).
Committee meetings are conducted effectively with a minimum of one per year.
Board decisions are effectively executed.
Semi-annual program reports and quarterly financial reports are received from management.
The strategic plan is reviewed and monitored regularly.
WGRF adheres to current and relevant policies and operating procedures.
An annual external audit is conducted, with no significant concerns reported.
Annual Member Meetings are conducted.
Members receive semi-annual updates.
A positive environment is maintained for Directors and staff, encouraging low turnover.
Ensure the Research Committee structure enables the board to effectively share the workload.
Administrative costs to support programming are 10% or less.