The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced that they will invest more than $366,000 in organic grain research at the University of Manitoba.

The funding, provided through the grain innovation hub, will be used to replace field equipment used by the university’s organic research program, including cultivators for grains, corn and beans, a comb-cutter, manure spreader, seeder and tractor.

“Organic agriculture is a growing opportunity for many Manitoba farmers,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “This strategic investment in equipment and infrastructure will ensure the university continues to produce research that is relevant to producers who are interested in pursuing organic cereals, oilseeds and pulse crops.”

Governments will also help support two years of organic research at the university, totalling $50,000.

“This critical support of infrastructure allows our researchers to continue their already significant exploration of organic crop production,” said Dr. Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and distinguished professor, University of Manitoba. “Through long-term comparative trials and innovative participatory plant breeding, Dr. Martin Entz and his team are leading the way in natural systems agriculture.”

The University of Manitoba is celebrating 25 years of organic research, which began 1992 with Canada’s first study to compare organic and conventional crop production.