Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) is pleased to announce $1,675,000 of new funding for two new genomic research projects announced earlier today through Genome Canada’s Large-Scale Applied Research Project (LSARP) Competition. “Investment in genomics for crop research is vital for the development of innovative agricultural solutions and improved crop varieties,” says Terry Young, WGRF Board Chair. “WGRF’s collaboration with Genome Prairie has allowed producers to invest in world class genomics research programs, WGRF is excited about the potential impact these projects can have for producers.”

The following projects were selected for funding by WGRF:

4DWheat: Diversity, Domestication, Discovery, and Delivery (W4D)

This project is being led by Dr. Curtis Pozniak at the University of Saskatchewan and Dr. Sylvie Cloutier at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The proposed work will benefit Canadian breeders through comprehensive knowledge and genetic resources to improve wheat. The release of adapted, higher yielding varieties will enhance producers’ returns and ensure a stable food supply in Canada and globally.

Enhancing the Value of Lentil Variation for Ecosystem Survival (EVOLVES)

This project is being led by Dr. Kirstin Bett and Dr. Albert (Bert) Vandenberg at the University of Saskatchewan. The deliverables of EVOLVES will greatly improve speed, precision, and throughput of the breeding program. Specifically, it will empower the breeders to develop varieties with explicit quality traits swiftly to address the industry needs.

Building on the momentum generated by previous WGRF-funded projects in wheat and lentils, in partnership with Genome Prairie, WGRF is continuing to make significant investments in this important area of research.

“These new projects will enhance the previous research funded by WGRF and will lead to the release of improved varieties for producers.” says Garth Patterson, WGRF Executive Director.