L to R: Ken Coles, Executive Director Farming Smarter, RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ryan Mercer, President, Farming Smarter. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

$3.2 Million Investment

Alberta government announces agri-research investment

Jun 25, 2025 | 4:19 PM

Alberta’s government has provided a one-time grant of $3.2 million to 12 applied research associations to upgrade equipment, facilities and infrastructure.

Announced on Wednesday, the government says the funding will help improve agricultural research and Alberta producers’ competitiveness. Provincial officials say applied research associations bring information from scientists and experts to farmers and ranchers to improve farming techniques. They provide learning and extension opportunities for producers, conduct research and trials to improve farming techniques that improve crop and soil quality, manage pests and protect the environment.

“Our government is committed to free and unbiased research,” says RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “Applied research associations play a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers with top-notch research that helps improve and advance agriculture. This funding helps ensure associations can concentrate on providing research and extension to help our producers adopt new technologies and practices and improve their competitiveness.”

“Now the associations can address their most pressing capital equipment issues,” adds Sigurdson.

According to the government, applied research associations will be able to extend the life of facilities, infrastructure and equipment, address health and safety issues, improve the quality of applied research and extension activities and reduce operating costs as a result.

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“Our farmer-led associations are very pleased and grateful for the capital funding support,” says Alan Hall, executive director, Agriculture Research Extension Council of Alberta. “This will go a long way in helping have the equipment we need to continue our applied research and extension work with producers to assist them in adapting research results, technologies and practices into their farming and ranching business operations.”

“The Government of Alberta’s strategic investment in irrigation expansion and the twinning of Highway 3 demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the province’s agricultural and economic future,” states Ken Coles, executive director, Farming Smarter. “The applied research capital grants will empower organizations like Farming Smarter to deliver substantial returns on investment by driving innovation and supporting the growth of value-added industries. As a world-class research and innovation organization, Farming Smarter is now even better positioned to accelerate progress and enable transformative advancements across Alberta’s agri-food sector.”

Provincial officials say this funding will help these associations purchase seeders, tractors, swathers, irrigation systems and portable facilities. It aims to also help them purchase research equipment that ensures Alberta producers remain amongst the most competitive in the world.

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta has 12 Applied Research Associations spread across the province:
  • Battle River Research Group Society
  • Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association
  • Chinook Applied Research Association
  • Farming Smarter Association
  • Foothills Forage and Grazing Association
  • Gateway Research Organization
  • Lakeland Agricultural Research Association
  • Mackenzie Applied Research Association
  • North Peace Applied Research Association
  • Peace Country Beef and Forage Association
  • SARDA Ag Research Association
  • Farming Forward (West-Central Forage Association)
• Alberta’s applied research associations have been supporting the adoption of farm research since the 1970s