Biotechnology
Vision
Agriculture biotechnology will contribute to the development and transfer of agricultural technologies resulting in economic opportunities and activities that enhance the sustainability of Saskatchewan's farms and communities. Agriculture biotechnology activities will contribute to the creation and growth of competitive value-added Saskatchewan industries including the manufacturing of agriculture biotechnology products and their marketing worldwide.
Priority Areas
- Crop improvement, diversification and diagnostics;
- Animal improvement and diagnostics;
- Biologicals (soil microbials and microbial pest control agents);
- Human resource development;
- Industry shared services;
- Marketing of products of agriculture biotechnology;
- Agriculture biotechnology infrastructure.
Objectives
To support focused research projects leading to the development of technologies for the benefit of the agriculture and agri-food industries (crop and livestock);
To support the development or application of proprietary agriculture biotechnology products in a range of partnership agreements with private and public entities;
To finance the construction and/or purchase of accessible facilities and equipment that will directly facilitate the successful completion of biotechnology research projects, and the commercialization of biotechnology agricultural products for Saskatchewan and markets worldwide;
To support public awareness activities reporting the "public-good" benefits that can be derived by innovation involving biotechnology;
To support and facilitate Saskatchewan industry access to the biotechnology regulatory process;
To promote educational restructuring efforts to stimulate growth in both the technological/scientific and biotechnology business skills of Saskatchewan people;
To support, and where possible, facilitate activities and actions required to make Canadian regulations of agricultural biotechnology equivalent to those of its major trading partners.
The $19.0 million allocated to Biotechnology was further broken down into these areas:
$10.3 million was allocated to Research and Development. This area includes activities undertaken by a scientist in a lab or field to create or develop products and/or animals with new properties and to extend the information in a way that leads to adoption.
Capital Infrastructure was given $4.6 million for projects that include the construction or purchase of buildings and equipment to facilitate Research and Development and/or foster institutional development.
Services Infrastructure has a budget of $800,000. This includes training programs that target business needs of entrepreneurs, generally focusing on more than one strategic area. This refers to the biotech awareness, regulatory support and regulatory harmonization program delivered by AgWest Biotech.
Human Resources Infrastructure was allocated $4.1 million to support public institutions to enhance the scientific capability and/or increase the technology transfer in the agriculture and agri-food industry.
Research and Development
Objectives
To support focused research projects leading to the development of enabling bio-technologies for benefit of the agriculture and agri-food industries.
To support, in a range of partnership agreements with private and public entities, the development or application of proprietary biotechnology products.
Background
The research and development needs of this industry were reviewed in 1996, leading to the establishment of this program.
Saskatchewan's agriculture biotechnology industry is built on a substantive research infrastructure and is an extension of traditional research strengths in plant breeding and veterinary science. Although research has been the primary focus of the biotechnology industry for a number of years, the commercialization of products is now occurring.
To maintain a competitive biotechnology industry in Saskatchewan, it is important to fund long-term basic research and to increase research into the application of these basic technologies, so Saskatchewan may take advantage of local and global commercialization opportunities.
Expected Outcomes
Many economic opportunities and activities will arise from further development and application of biotechnology. These activities will directly benefit the Saskatchewan farmer and they will also lead to the creation of a value-added industry in Saskatchewan which will manufacture and supply agriculture biotechnology products.
Resource Allocation
This four-year program allocated its budget of $10.3 million through a call for proposals.
Related Research and Development Projects
Capital and Service Infrastructure
Objectives
To finance the construction and/or purchase of accessible facilities and equipment that will directly facilitate the successful completion of biotechnology research projects, and the commercialization of biotechnological agricultural products for Saskatchewan and markets worldwide.
To support public awareness activities advocating the "public-good" benefits derived by biotechnology innovation involving biotechnology.
To support and facilitate Saskatchewan industry access to the biotechnology regulatory process.
To support and facilitate activities required to remove barriers and harmonize the regulatory process for the ag-biotech industry.
Background
In 1996, industry identified the lack of appropriate services and infrastructure as a constraint to the development of an agriculture biotechnology industry in Saskatchewan.
It was also determined that regulatory agencies need to develop a more comprehensive understanding of both the science and the industry of agriculture biotechnology to ensure that rational, scientifically-based regulatory processes are applied.
This program was established to improve the infrastructure, services and regulatory process for the Saskatchewan biotechnology industry.
Expected Outcomes
Certain core services and/or facilities will be established to provide for the continued growth and competitiveness of Saskatchewan's agriculture biotechnology sector.
Regulatory personnel will have an increased appreciation for the agriculture biotechnology industry.
Resource Allocation
This four-year program provided $4.6 million for capital infrastructure and services through a call for proposals.
Related Capital Infrastructure Projects
Related Service Infrastructure Projects
Human Resources Infrastructure
Objective
To promote educational restructuring to enhance both the biotechnological and business competencies of Saskatchewan graduates.
Background
The lack of a trained work force (scientists and technicians) was identified by industry in a 1996 study as a major human resource constraint to the development of a biotechnology industry in Saskatchewan.
The establishment of academic and technical training programs for agriculture biotechnology, within Saskatchewan, is a means to ensure that the lack of skilled personnel will not be a limitation to the industry.
It is also perceived that good business skills within the biotechnology industry are necessary for this industry's growth.
This program was established to help remove human resource constraints in the agriculture biotechnology industry.
Expected Outcomes
Increased business appreciation and awareness in the community in order to take advantage of commercialization opportunities as they arise.
Resource Allocation
This four-year program provided $4.1 million to Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the University of Saskatchewan through a call for proposals.
