ASBG receives funds for storage and marketing research

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
editor@tabertimes.com

Alberta Sugar Beet Growers are receiving roughly $224,000 for beet storage research and marketing as part of a recent shared $1.8 million announcement through PrairiesCan.

Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced the federal investment for four not-for-profit organizations to support Alberta’s value-added agriculture industry.

ASBG, based in Taber, is receiving $223,647 to commercialize and scale-up sugar beet storage solutions and unlock new markets for Alberta-grown sugar beets. This funding builds on previous PrairiesCan funding of over $242,000, bringing total funding to more than $466,000.

“This project represents an exciting opportunity for the sugar beet industry,” said Jennifer Crowson, ASBG executive director. “By increasing stability and expanding market opportunities, we can unlock new possibilities by ensuring sustainability and innovation for the future of the sugar beet sector.”

The other three projects receiving federal support include:

• New Harvest Canada, based in Edmonton, is receiving $1 million to advance a more resilient food production system through cellular agriculture practices, which are emerging technologies that allow for producing food from cells. This investment will strengthen the ability of Alberta’s agriculture industry to capitalize on growing global demand for complementary food sources, bolster value-added biomanufacturing on the Prairies, and connect Canadian crop producers with cellular agriculture supply chains.

• Mackenzie Applied Research Association, based in Fort Vermilion, is receiving $262,024 to expand research and learning opportunities aimed at enhancing farming practices. Funding will enable the Association to seek innovative ways to de-risk the adoption of climate resilient farming practices while also delivering workshops and events for producers to learn about technologies in areas such as regenerative and precision agriculture.

• Economic Development Lethbridge is receiving $405,285 to build and implement an investment strategy for Canada’s Western Gateway in southern Alberta, and to assist businesses to access new markets. This project will involve collaboration with municipalities along the Alberta section of the CANAMEX trade corridor, as well as key industry partners, to build a sustainable supply chain in the region.

In total, these investments are expected to maintain and support approximately 50 jobs while directly benefitting 350 small- and medium-sizes businesses in Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

“Alberta’s value-added agriculture and agri-food sector is a key economic engine, fueling growth and prosperity in communities large and small across the province. Our government is proud to help small- and medium-sized businesses build capacity, advance innovative technologies, and seize new opportunities in global markets,” said Duguid.

Federal funding of $1,890,956 for four Alberta organizations is being provided through PrairiesCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem program, as well as the Community Economic Development and Diversification program.