Vision

Profitable and sustainable western Canadian grain farmers

Mission

Producers directing investment in crop research to benefit western Canadian grain farmers

Research

Goal: Fund crop research to benefit western Canadian grain farmers

Objectives

  • 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.

Outputs

  • 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.

Communications

Goal: Continue to improve awareness of WGRF and facilitate the exchange of knowledge

Objectives

  • 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.

Outputs

  • 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.

Research Fund

Goal: To remain a long term significant, stable funder of crop research

Objectives

  • 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.

Outputs

  • 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.

Governance

Goal: Provide effective governance

Objectives

  • 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.

Outputs

  • 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.