News section

BASF makes major contribution to new pulse field lab research addition being built at the University of Saskatchewan
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.

News release

Other news from this source

10,985

Back to main news page

The news release or news item on this page is copyright © 2005 by the organization where it originated.
The content of the SeedQuest website is copyright © 1992-2005 by SeedQuest - All rights reserved
Fair Use Notice