August 5, 2024

Canada invests in climate-resilient soybeans with US$1.6 million grant

To support soybean producers in Canada, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, announced funding of up to CAD 2,325,361 (US$1.6 million) over four years to Performance Plants Inc (PPI) through the AgriScience Programme – Projects Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The funding will allow PPI to develop climate change-resistant, high-yielding soybeans through selected genetic lines and enable field testing. The aim is to create soybean varieties that are more heat and drought tolerant, herbicide resistant, use water efficiently, and sequester carbon into the soil. PPI continues to advance soybean trait and genome development to ensure they have the best characteristics to withstand harsh climates.

"Soybean farming is a cornerstone of agriculture here in Canada. This funding is vitally important to helping our hardworking farmers tackle extreme weather and keep growing the top-quality crops Canada is known for. Together, we're paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for our soybean growers," said Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

"Supporting innovation is key to our farmers' future. This funding will help Performance Plants Inc. develop soybean crops that can better handle climate change and produce high-quality yields. This investment demonstrates our commitment to sustainable farming and the success of our farmers," stated Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands.

"Soybean is the third largest field crop in Canada, and the foundation to increase its growth acreage and productivity lays squarely on the genetic improvement of the seeds. We are grateful to have AAFC's further support through its AgriScience Programme to complete the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding soybean with enhanced carbon sequestration. The successful introduction of Performance Plants' validated technologies to this crop will help to secure and grow this important Canadian industry amid increasingly challenging climate conditions," said Dr Yafan Huang, CEO of Performance Plant Inc.

-      Government of Canada