The governments of Canada and Manitoba announced Thursday that they are providing $16.3 million in grant funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 101 projects under the Research and Innovation Program over the next three years,  

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn spearheaded the announcement. 

"Folks around the world are looking for more sustainable agri-food products and I know our producers can deliver," says MacAulay. "By investing in research and innovation across the value chain, we can address current and future challenges and help make sure the sector remains resilient, competitive, and efficient." 

file photoManitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. Photo Credit: @RonKostyshyn on X.)

In the government-issued press release, the funding will go towards research and capacity building to accelerate innovation in agriculture in Manitoba, supporting companies leading innovative research and putting Manitoba at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research. 

"Research and innovation drives growth and economic development in rural Manitoba," says Kostyshyn. "Manitoba researchers are leading the way with innovative ways to make life more productive and more profitable for producers. We're investing in them so they can better feed Manitoba and feed the world." 

A call for letters of intent under the Research and Innovation Program is now open for innovative industry-led research, development and capacity-building project ideas for funding commencing in spring 2025. In April 2023, more than $8.4 million was provided to support 47 projects, and on Thursday, an additional $7.9 million is being provided to 54 projects, for a total of 101 projects funded at $16.3 million under the Research and Innovation Program, the minister adds. 

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and Agri-Products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. 

For more information on Manitoba Agriculture's Sustainable CAP Research and Innovation Program, visit:https://manitoba.ca/scap/scienceresearch/research.html.