The provincial and federal governments have invested more than $210,000 in a vegetable research site near Winkler.

The site, which will be operated and also partially funded by Peak of the Market, will focus on improving yields, developing new varieties, and creating opportunities for potato, carrot, and sweet potato crops in the province.

"This research project will provide Manitoba's growers with relevant information to help them make decisions for their farms, while also identifying new opportunities for the future," says Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler in a new release.  "Vegetables are important crops for the province’s farmers and for our agriculture industry, while also having the added benefit of making more nutritious and locally-grown food available for Manitobans."

Peak of the Market chair Keith Kuhl says potatoes will be the primary focus, explaining part of the research work will look into nutrient and pest management for potatoes.

"As we look at new varieties of potatoes, we're constantly looking to find potatoes that would be able to be grown with reduced nutrients, and would have enhanced characteristics, so possibly being resistant to late blight, Colorado potato beetles, etc. As breeders are continuing to breed new varieties, they're looking for resistance as part of the breeding program," Kuhl says.

Peak of the Market will contribute more than $477,000 toward the three-year research project.