Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Research Manitoba is pleased to announce matching funding in the amount of $1,000,000 for the recently announced Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) College Fund grant to Assiniboine College. This marks the first time Assiniboine has received funding from CFI.
The project, “Expanding Horticultural Applied Research Capacity Addressing Climate Change and Food Security,” will see the construction of three new commercial greenhouses, a larger header house, and a research laboratory at Assiniboine. These new facilities will enable AC researchers and students to tackle critical issues related to climate change and food security. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $4.5M.
“We are grateful to have partners like Research Manitoba, who understand the importance of Assiniboine College’s research that aims to address sector challenges and industry needs, as well as environmental sustainability and food security.
Supporting the expansion of our greenhouse operations allows our researchers to continue to investigate the various roles greenhouses can play in addressing food production and improve food security. With this generous contribution, we will be able to expand our existing greenhouse to develop a dedicated research laboratory and add three new greenhouses.”
“The Manitoba government is proud to support initiatives that drive innovation and address pressing environmental challenges.
This project at Assiniboine College exemplifies the forward-thinking research that is essential for our province’s sustainable future. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have on our community and beyond.”
The expanded greenhouse centre will focus on various research areas, including sustainable alternatives to peat in soilless growing mixes, the use of local waste products like biochar, and the optimization of greenhouse conditions for maximum crop yield and quality. Additionally, the project will explore the cultivation of popular ethnic crops under Manitoba conditions and investigate innovative technologies to extend the greenhouse growing season.
“Research Manitoba is excited to support Assiniboine College on this project and their first-ever CFI grant. By supporting this expansion, we are investing in the future of sustainable agriculture and food security in Manitoba. The research conducted here will have far-reaching implications for the agricultural sector.”
This funding is part of a larger initiative by the Canadian government, which has allocated more than $18 million through the CFI College Fund to support 23 research infrastructure projects at institutions across the country. The CFI College Fund aims to equip colleges with state-of-the-art labs and equipment to foster innovation and collaboration with public, private, and not-for-profit partners.
Find out more on the CFI College Fund’s official news release at: https://www.innovation.ca/news/college-fund-june-2024.
For more information about the project and its anticipated impact, please contact:
| Research Manitoba Hope Holmes Communications Officer hope.holmes@researchmb.ca https://researchmanitoba.ca |
Assiniboine College Kyla Cottom Communications Specialist cottomk@Assiniboine.net https://assiniboine.net/ |
About Research Manitoba
Research Manitoba is a provincial agency that reports to the Minister of Advanced Education and Training. Research Manitoba promotes, supports, and coordinates the funding of research excellence and innovation in health, natural and social sciences, engineering, and the humanities in Manitoba. Through our mission, vision and values, Research Manitoba fosters excellence in research and innovation within Manitoba.
About Assiniboine College
Assiniboine College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years. It offers more than 75 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines and delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades. Its campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.
About the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
The Canada Foundation for Innovation provides critical funding for state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment in Canada. By investing in research infrastructure, CFI enables Canadian researchers to become leaders in their fields and address emerging challenges.