L to R: Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Executive Director; Devin Dreeshen, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry; Dr. Kenny Corscadden, Lethbridge College Associate Vice Presdient Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Photo credit: Morton Molyneux)

By Justin Goulet

Long-term agreement signed between Lethbridge College and Farming Smarter

Feb 25, 2020 | 11:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Two innovative organizations have extended their working partnership.

Farming Smarter and Lethbridge College have been allies on a variety of projects.

They have now formalized and expanded their partnership with the signing of a 15-year memorandum of understanding (MOU). The deal will allow both organizations to help lead and evolve research on agriculture in southern Alberta.

According to a release from Lethbridge College, the MOU has three core pillars: applied research and innovation; education, training and knowledge transfer; and communication and branding.

Dr. Paula Burns, the college’s President and CEO, said “this is an exciting opportunity to really look at strengths of both the college and Farming Smarter and how we can leverage those strengths into new opportunities.”

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“Our two organizations have worked together in the past on innovative and important projects that support agricultural research, education and student success. We look forward to new opportunities that will be possible because of this agreement.”

Farming Smarter focuses on applied research that helps crop producers in southern Alberta make informed choices around inputs, technology and management practices for their operations. Lethbridge College collaborates on many of Farming Smart’s research projects. Farming Smarter also provides practicum experiences and summer jobs for college students from several programs.

“The agriculture industry is a huge part of southern Alberta’s economy and employs a lot of people in the region,” said Ken Coles, Farming Smarter’s Executive Director.

“Farming Smarter supports innovation, entrepreneurship and the practical application of science and technology in the industry and particularly on-farm. This partnership will keep farmers, ag business and graduates competitive, connected and thriving.”

The MOU will aid in strengthening the relationship between Farming Smarter and Lethbridge College and help in the continued growth of agriculture in the region.

The two organizations will work together to find mutual funding opportunities, co-host educational and networking events, and create research projects that can utilize the expertise of agricultural research scientists, teachers and students from across southern Alberta.