(Supplied by Lethbridge College)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge College creating new agricultural research centre

May 20, 2020 | 12:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College has received one of its most significant applied research grants ever – one that will help the local agricultural sector for years to come.

Through a $1.75-million renewable grant, they will create the Integrated Agricultural Technology Centre (IATC).

President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns says the IATC will help farmers, growers, and food processors across the country tap into the latest research and recognized expertise at the college.

“This announcement is extremely significant and welcome news. It signifies to Canada’s agriculture industry that we are here to support their needs and find solutions to the challenges they face. The Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre will help to drive forward one of the country’s most important industries and provide a boost to the provincial economy.”

The focus of the institution’s research will be on core areas of agriculture, crop production, and wet processing.

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Among the clients that will be able to access this information are large and small-scale crop producers, greenhouse growers, aquaculture operations, food processors, and ag-tech companies.

“Agriculture is one of our region’s largest industries with more than 900 farms, many of which are small- or medium-sized enterprises, generating $1.1 billion per year,” said Dr. Kenny Corscadden, Lethbridge College Associate Vice President Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Megan Shapka, Manager of the IATC says being able to share groundbreaking research with agricultural groups will not only help their operations, but the economy as a whole.

“As part of the established network of TACs, we will share best practices and foster collaborations with industry, government, and other post-secondary institutions across Canada and help drive economic growth by providing local, accessible, and affordable research and development services.”

You can learn more about the IATC in the video below.