Governments are investing nearly $10 million in new crop research projects across Saskatchewan. The funding focuses on practical challenges facing producers and long-term competitiveness.
Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and David Marit, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture, announced $9.7 million in combined funding. The investment will support research through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and the Strategic Research Initiative (SRI).
Of the total funding, $7.2 million will support 39 new projects selected through the ADF’s annual competitive intake. Meanwhile, $2.5 million will fund a targeted SRI project focused on managing herbicide-resistant kochia and wild oats.
Research targets on-farm challenges
ADF projects are designed to address real-world production issues. As a result, this year’s research spans a wide range of crop priorities.
Researchers will evaluate subsurface drip irrigation systems and test new strategies to improve resistance to wheat stem sawfly. In addition, several projects will focus on increasing lentil tolerance to drought and phosphorus deficiency.
Other research will examine riceworm management in northern Saskatchewan wild rice production. Researchers will also validate bale wrap materials made from flax straw and oat hulls as alternatives to conventional products.
At the same time, industry partners are increasing the overall investment. Thirteen organizations are contributing an additional $3.2 million to support ADF projects. These partners include grain, oilseed and pulse groups from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, along with Results Driven Agriculture Research and the Western Grains Research Foundation.
Herbicide resistance remains a key focus
In contrast to the broader ADF intake, the Strategic Research Initiative targets complex, long-term challenges. The 2026 SRI project will concentrate on sustainable approaches to managing herbicide-resistant kochia and wild oats.
Dr. Shaun Sharpe with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will lead the multi-year project. The research team includes scientists from the Universities of Saskatchewan, Regina and Manitoba, as well as the National Research Council.
Altogether, the initiative represents a $3.2 million research effort. Governments are contributing $2.5 million, while industry partners will provide $730,000.
Part of a national funding framework
Both the ADF and SRI operate under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This five-year framework represents a $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The partnership includes $1 billion in federal programming and $2.5 billion in cost-shared funding. Provinces and territories design and deliver the programs.
Overall, the funding supports crop research aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and long-term resilience across Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
