Wheat field -- Alice McFarlane

By Alice McFarlane - farmnewsNOW

Agriculture Research

Wheat commissions concerned about research projects

Apr 23, 2020 | 2:17 PM

PRINCE ALBERT, SASK, — Wheat and barley commissions are asking Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to continue wheat and barley research activities this year.

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) and the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) are worried COVID-19 will impact ongoing research projects.

CWRC Chair Jason Lenz said the safety of researchers and other staff during the pandemic is a top priority.

“The universities and private plant breeders have found safe options to conduct their research. We’re confident AAFC can also create a plan to continue critical research and provide clarity to western Canadian farmers,” Lenz said in a news release.

CBRC Interim-Chair Jason Skotheim said the work needs to be considered on a project-to-project and program-to-program basis to minimize the loss of both future productivity and the potential contributions of previous projects. He said the organizations will assist researchers wherever possible.

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“We are requesting that AAFC consult our member organizations to explore opportunities, communicate contingency plans and discuss any potential required adjustments in contract terms and conditions as soon as possible,” Skotheim said.

Lenz asked for urgent action to save the AAFC field, lab, and greenhouse activities for wheat and barley research projects.

Most research funded by the CWRC, CBRC, and individual crop commissions are multi-year, multi-site, and multi-cooperator projects.