Saskatoon, Saskatchewan continues to strengthen its position as a centre for agricultural biotechnology with the addition of Mycogen Corporation's canola research division to Innovation Research Park in Saskatoon.

Announcement of the agreement in principle between Ag-West Biotech and DowElanco Canada, which owns 52 per cent of Mycogen, was made today at Innovation Place. The agreement will see Ag-West invest $375,000 over two years to help establish a microspore culture laboratory, a plant breeding program, and related facilities. Saskatoon's International Centre for Agricultural Science and Technology (ICAST) will partner with Ag-West Biotech to provide $125,000 in additional funding. ICAST is a joint federal provincial initiative supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada(WD) and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

Mycogen, based in San Diego, California, is a leader in agricultural biotechnology, with particular expertise in genetic engineering and its application to seeds and biopesticides.

"The arrival of Mycogen's research arm is another example of our role in fostering agricultural biotechnology in Saskatchewan," says Peter McCann, Acting President of Ag-West Biotech. "Their expertise in plant breeding, oil modification and insect resistance will add to the critical
mass of research that is the key to producing innovative products and technologies for the future."

Saskatchewan's Minister of Agriculture and Food, Eric Upshall, welcomed the relocation of Mycogen's canola program to Saskatoon, describing it as the latest example of DowElanco's collaborative efforts in the province.

"Agbiotech is just beginning to deliver on its promise to benefit the agricultural industry that forms the backbone of our provincial economy," Upshall says. "DowElanco has been a welcome presence in Saskatchewan, working together with researchers such as those at the Plant Biotechnology Institute to develop some of the most advanced canola technology in the world."

"The arrival of Mycogen's research and development operations shows DowElanco's continued commitment to Saskatoon as a premiere location for advanced agricultural biotechnology."

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