London, Ontario, Canada
March 20, 2015

A&L Biologicals Inc. is receiving an investment of $1.19 million to help develop a diagnostic test that will help corn producers increase their productivity through improved plant and soil health, MP Susan Truppe (London North Centre), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today.

A&L Biologicals will use molecular technologies to detect and diagnose microorganisms that impact corn output. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers at the Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre in London will collaborate with industry on a number of activities, including research into new green microbe-enhanced manure fertilizers.

Quick facts

• A&L Biologicals Inc. specializes in offering producers molecular technologies for the rapid detection and diagnosis of microorganisms that impact farm production.
• Field trials will initially commence in Ontario, but will later be extended to other corn-growing regions in Quebec and Manitoba.
• Corn is one of Canada's principal field crops, reaching a record output of 13.1 million tonnes in 2012. This investment is made through Growing Forward 2's AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million initiative designed to accelerate the pace of innovation by supporting research and development activities in agri-innovations and facilitating the demonstration, commercialization and/or adoption of innovative products, technologies, processes, practices and services.

Quotes

"Southern Ontario has a large number of corn growers who will directly benefit from this investment under Growing Forward 2. New molecular technologies can increase corn yields, reduce costs and, as a result, improve the bottom line for producers."

- Member of Parliament Susan Truppe

"The funding provided by the AgriInnovation program brings together the collaborative efforts of A&L Biologicals, Western University and AAFC toward making significant headways to identify what role microorganism communities play in corn productivity. This project will allow us to improve crop and soil health, reduce the environmental foot print of agriculture, and the cost of production to farmers."

- Dr. George Lazarovits, Research Director – A&L Biologicals

Additional links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• A&L Biologicals

Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca

Published: March 20, 2015