Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) today announced that Mr. Garth Patterson will be taking over as Executive Director for WGRF.

Mr. Patterson has been the Executive Director for the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) for the past 16 years. During this time, Patterson provided leadership that has contributed greatly to the growth and development of the pulse sector in Saskatchewan. This has included the development of innovative programs to commercialize pulse crop varieties that have led to widespread adoption of many new pulse crop varieties in Saskatchewan.

Patterson has also worked for the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association, Cyanamid, Agdevco, the University of Saskatchewan, and Federated Co-op. Patterson brings with him to WGRF a diverse and in-depth agricultural background spanning more than 30 years. “These are exciting times for WGRF, said Patterson. “I am looking forward to working with WGRF and welcome the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead”.

“We are delighted to have hired someone of Garth’s experience and expertise in the agricultural community for this important position,” noted Dr. Keith Degenhardt, WGRF Board Chair. “Garth’s leadership and direction will undoubtedly contribute to many achievements in the years ahead for WGRF.”

WGRF is a non-profit organization that is farmer funded and directed. WGRF supports crop research that directly benefits prairie farmers by investing producer funds in research through an Endowment Fund and the Wheat and Barley Check-off Funds.

Patterson will begin work with WGRF on August 15.

For further information, contact:

Mike Espeseth
Communications Manager
Western Grains Research Foundation
(306) 975-0365
communications@westerngrains.com