Author: Sanuli Wijayasundara
Date: August 17, 2024
Area of Impact:
Atlantic Canada
Article Information and Location:
Research funding will help determine what grains will stand up in changing climate
Kevin Yarr, CBC News, July 12, 2024
INTRODUCTION
To support Maritime farmers in the face of unpredictable weather due to climate change, federal and provincial governments have announced a large investment in regional agricultural research. Unveiled in Charlottetown, this funding will be allocated to the Atlantic Grains Council over the next five years, aimed at developing crops resilient to the changing climate. This local research is crucial for adapting to conditions like the heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl. With support from the government, this initiative strives to integrate environmental science into farming practices to ensure sustainable grain production in Atlantic Canada.
Image taken from The Guardian
INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Grain farmers in the Maritimes received a much-needed boost as federal and provincial governments announced a $4.3 million funding initiative for agricultural research. The Atlantic Grains Council will benefit from this investment over the next five years, with the goal of developing crop varieties better suited to the region’s changing climate.
Council chair Roy Culberson highlighted the urgency of this research, citing the recent heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl as a stark example of the challenges faced by farmers. Culberson emphasized the need for locally focused research to determine which crops perform best under the specific conditions of the Maritimes. This funding aims to provide farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to adapt and thrive in the face of unpredictable weather.
Malpeque MP Heath MacDonald underscored the importance of integrating scientific research into farming practices to address the impacts of climate change. The $4.3 million initiative, which includes a $1.25 million contribution from the Maritime provinces, not only supports grain farmers but also benefits the broader agricultural community. By investing in local research, the program aims to enhance crop resilience, ensuring a sustainable future for grain production in Atlantic Canada.
CONCLUSION
The multimillion dollar investment in agricultural research represents a key step in helping Maritime grain farmers face the evolving challenges of climate change. By focusing on local conditions and developing resilient crop varieties, this initiative not only supports grain production but also strengthens the agricultural sector in Atlantic Canada. Farmers, researchers, and community members must work together to leverage these advancements, ensuring that local agriculture can adapt and thrive.
REFERENCES
“Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership invests in the future of grains and oilseeds in Atlantic Canada – Atlantic Grains Council.” Atlantic Grains Council, 11 July 2024, https://atlanticgrainscouncil.ca/press_release/sustainable-canadian-agricultural-partnership-invests-in-the-future-of-grains-and-oilseeds-in-atlantic-canada/. Accessed 13 August 2024.