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SPG Research and Development (R&D)
The overall goal of the R&D strategy is to develop research
outputs that will assist in the development and sustainability
of the pulse industry in Saskatchewan. SPG has been funding research
projects since 1984 and much of the funding has been targeted
at genetic improvement and agronomy. The current R&D framework
makes research investments in the following key areas: genetic
improvement, disease resistance and management, agronomy, quality,
utilization, and sustainable environment.
From 1984 - 2002, R&D expenditures accounted
for 38% of total SPG investments. Since then, R&D expenditure
has been increasing, from 45% in 2002-03 to 60% in the 2006-07 fiscal year. The
increased R&D spending will enable significant investments
in all the key identified areas, ensuring the competitiveness
of Saskatchewan producers and profitability of the pulse industry
as industry a whole. Investments in R&D have provided significant
benefits to the pulse industry.
To maximize attainment of R&D strategic
goals, SPG targets research investments under three programs,
namely, Pulse Breeding Program, Research Proposal Program, and
the Pea Genetic Improvement Program. The R&D Committee, comprised
of knowledgeable persons from industry, government, and research,
makes recommendations to the SPG Board regarding research investment
opportunities and the strategic direction of pulse research. SPG collaborates with Pulse Canada on emerging research strategies to increase the demand for Saskatchewan Grown Pulses. SPG also collaborates with other
provincial pulse grower groups and Saskatchewan
Agriculture and Food in funding selected pulse projects.
Pulse Breeding Program
The Pulse Breeding Program is a collaborative research agreement
between SPG and the University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development
Centre (CDC), which commenced on April 1, 1997. The principal
objective was to develop new and/or improved varieties of pulse
crops to be made available to Saskatchewan pulse producers on
a timely and cost-effective basis. Through this program, both
SPG and the CDC have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship
with regards to the development and commercialization of pulse
crop varieties. Commercialization of pulse crop varieties occurs
under the SPG
Variety Release Program.
The majority of research into pulse crop genetic
improvement takes place at the CDC under this program. Based on
the successful achievement of program objectives since 1997, SPG
and CDC have agreed on a revised breeding agreement, the Pulse
Crop Advancement Agreement, for an initial term of 15 years beginning
in 2005. The revised agreement includes an expanded scope of research,
which integrates pulse pathology and seed quality assessment into
crop genetic improvement. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers will provide
about $21 million to the CDC under the program. In addition,
SPG is also providing the CDC with additional two quarters of
land and irrigation equipment for research purposes.
Research Proposal Program
This is a competitive proposal-based program that is open to researchers
involved in various disciplines of pulse crop research. This program
gives SPG the flexibility of addressing the long-term research
strategy, as well as responding to emerging threats, by funding
pertinent research projects. The program is administered through
a well-established Request For Proposal (RFP) procedure. The call for proposals occurs in October and November of each calendar year. Please watch the website for this.
The program also provides collaborative funding
to pulse crop research projects approved under the Saskatchewan
Agriculture and Food Agriculture Development Fund.
Pea Genetic Improvement Program (PGIP)
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers initiated this program in June 2004
for a three-year term and the initial payment was made for the
2003 crop year. The PGIP program was renewed for a second, three year term for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 crop years. The goal of this program is to ensure that the
western Canadian pea industry remains competitive in world markets
through the adoption and use of the best available pea varieties.
This program recognises the contributions made by both domestic
and international private and public pea breeding programs to
the development, growth, and success of the pea industry in Saskatchewan.
Please refer to the Program Term Sheet for further details.
Scholarships
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers recognises the need to foster interest
in research in the pulse area. To achieve this, SPG established
two scholarships to be awarded to students pursuing graduate research
in the pulse area at the University of Saskatchewan. The Don
Jacques Memorial Fellowship is named after the first Executive
Director of SPG, and the Dr. Alfred E. Slinkard Scholarship
recognizes the pioneering work of Dr. Slinkard in pulse crop research
and industry development. Please follow the links for the Terms
of Reference of the scholarships.
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