By Alice McFarlane

Seeds of innovation: Investing in Alberta’s agri-research

Jul 22, 2025 | 3:58 PM

Alberta’s applied research associations have been supporting the adoption of farm research since the 1970s.

That’s why the Alberta government has provided a one-time grant of $3.2 million to 12 applied research associations to upgrade equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.

The funding will help improve agricultural research while applied research associations bring information from scientists and experts to farmers and ranchers to improve farming techniques.

They provide learning and extension opportunities for producers, conduct research and trials to improve farming techniques that improve crop and soil quality, manage pests, and protect the environment.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson said the government is committed to free and unbiased research.

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“Applied research associations play a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers with top-notch research that helps improve and advance agriculture,” he said. “This funding helps ensure associations can concentrate on providing research and extension to help our producers adopt new technologies and practices and improve their competitiveness. Now the associations can address their most pressing capital equipment issues.”

Applied research associations will be able to extend the life of facilities, infrastructure and equipment, address health and safety issues, improve the quality of applied research and extension activities and reduce operating costs.

Alan Hall, executive director, Agriculture Research Extension Council of Alberta, said farmer-led associations are grateful for the capital funding support.

“This will go a long way in helping have the equipment we need to continue our applied research and extension work with producers to assist them in adapting research results, technologies and practices into their farming and ranching business operations,” Hall said.

The funding will help these associations purchase seeders, tractors, swathers, irrigation systems and portable facilities. It will also help them to purchase research equipment that ensures Alberta producers remain amongst the most competitive in the world.

Alberta has 12 Applied Research Associations spread across the province:

• Battle River Research Group Society
• Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association
• Chinook Applied Research Association
• Farming Smarter Association
• Foothills Forage and Grazing Association
• Gateway Research Organization
• Lakeland Agricultural Research Association
• Mackenzie Applied Research Association
• North Peace Applied Research Association
• Peace Country Beef and Forage Association
• SARDA Ag Research Association
• Farming Forward (West-Central Forage Association)

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com