Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
January 11, 2005
BASF
announced today a $125,000 contribution over five years toward
the new pulse field lab research addition being built at the
University of Saskatchewan.
"BASF is
extremely proud to make this contribution to the field lab,"
said Troy Bolt, Market Manager, Oilseeds and Pulses for BASF.
"The success of the Canadian pulse industry depends upon
continued research and innovation in crop development. This lab
will provide the first-class facilities necessary to support
these activities."
"BASF has
been and continues to be a strong supporter of the Saskatchewan
Pulse Growers (SPG) and the pulse industry," said Dean Corbett,
Chairman of the SPG Board. "This new facility is so important to
our industry and its future. We're thrilled that BASF has
stepped forward to make a significant contribution."
Saskatchewan
Pulse Growers is raising capital for the construction of a
world-class, multi-user pulse crop field research facility,
which is being built at the University of Saskatchewan in
Saskatoon. Of the $3 million needed to construct the facility,
$750,000 will be raised from industry contributions, such as the
one from BASF.
"Research is
vital to the development of the pulse industry in Canada", said
Garth Patterson, SPG's Executive Director. "We know that this
investment in infrastructure will pay off for producers, and
also for the companies, like BASF, whose business is committed
to the success of the industry." A 2003 study showed that every
dollar of producer investment in pulse crop research led to a
$15.60 return for farmers and a $31.60 return for the industry
as a whole.
The new
facility is being built as a 14,000 square foot addition to the
Crop Science Field Laboratory. The addition will provide
enhanced capacity and efficiency in pulse breeding, physiology,
pathology and agronomy research.
About
BASF
Agricultural Products
With sales
of (euro) 3,176 million in 2003, BASF's Agricultural Products
division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to
the farming industry providing well-established and innovative
fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these
products and services to improve yields and quality of
agricultural crops. Other uses include public health,
structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants. BASF
aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision
of BASF's Agricultural Products division is to be the world's
leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving
nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing
world population. .
About The
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
SPG
represents over 20,000 pulse crop producers in Saskatchewan.
Accountable to growers and funded through a mandatory check-off,
SPG has a producer-elected board of directors comprised of seven
pulse growers. With a legislated mandate to build a prosperous
pulse industry in Saskatchewan, SPG invests in research and
market development and promotes sustainable innovation, growth
and success through leadership, collaboration and support.
-
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers' mission is to provide leadership for
an innovative, profitable and sustainable Saskatchewan pulse
industry, through research, market development and communication
in collaboration with stakeholders.
- SPG
represents over 20,000 pulse producers in Saskatchewan and has
an annual budget of $6.0 million in producer checkoff dollars.
- Canada
is the world's leading lentil exporter, and Saskatchewan
produces 97% of the Canadian lentil crop. Canada is also the
world's leading pea exporter, with Saskatchewan producing 70% of
Canada's peas.
- A
recent study (Gray and Scott, 2003) showed that for every $1 of
pulse checkoff invested in research alone, growers and industry
receive $31 in benefits. |