Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
September 17, 2014  

The Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) announced today a partnership between the association and the University of Saskatchewan.

Under the partnership, CCGA will make a one-time, $5 million contribution to the Department of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. This contribution will establish the CCGA Agriculture Policy Chair at the College.

“Agriculture policy development is a cornerstone of the work we do at CCGA; we believe for Canada to be a world leader in agriculture, we must invest in new ideas that can drive innovation,” said Brett Halstead, President of CCGA.  “We’re excited to make this announcement and foresee that research coming out of this new Chair will strengthen agriculture policy research – leading to new ideas and ultimately enhancing farm profitability.”

The work that comes from this partnership will build academic and industry expertise in agriculture policy across Western Canada, while investing in the University of Saskatchewan’s graduate and post-graduate research capabilities.

“Not only are we investing in the future of our farms, but we’re also investing in the future of our people,” said Halstead. “This contribution will build future leaders in agriculture policy by providing an innovative training ground at an institution reputable in policy research.”

The announcement of the partnership was made at the University of Saskatchewan Agriculture Building, with President Brett Halstead speaking on behalf of CCGA. Speaking on behalf of the University of Saskatchewan was Dr. Gordon Barnhart, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor and Bill Brown, Head of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.