By Justin Goulet/Lethbridge News Now

Alberta announces new agriculture-focused non-profit

Mar 25, 2024 | 11:04 AM

LACOMBE, AB – The provincial government in Alberta is establishing a new non-profit focused on agriculture research and crop development.

The Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC), based in Lacombe, is being relaunched as Western Crops Innovations (WCI), a non-profit with an interim board.

Officials say the new structure will help revitalize the organization, promote a renewed vision and better position Alberta to meet the needs of the agriculture industry.

“It’s an exciting time for crop research in Alberta. Western Crop Innovations will carry on the Field Crop Development Centre’s substantial legacy, ensuring its work is addressing the issues farmers are facing in the fields,” says Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.

The transition will officially take effect on April 1, 2024. The FCFC’s current programming will undergo a review and where necessary, will be modified to make sure crop innovations support the needs of Alberta farmers now and into the future.

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The interim board will be comprised of representatives from the government and industry. The board will lead WCI and the transition process. Officials say the new model will include integrated funding that connects government, industry and post-secondary schools.

The interim board members are:

• Jason Lenz, chair
• D’Arcy Hilgartner, vice-chair, Results Driven Agriculture Research
• Fred Lozeman, former finance chair, Alberta Beef Producers
• John Conrad, assistant deputy minister, Agriculture and Irrigation

The province says the anticipated cost of WCI’s first year is $3.5 million, with the government contributing $3.2 million.

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