Montréal, September 6, 2023 – Nine major interdisciplinary research projects have been selected across Canada to take part in the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative launched by Genome Canada in May 2022. The total value of the announcement represents an investment of nearly $70 million, including a federal government investment of almost $27 million and nearly $42 million from co-funding partners. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada and to the President of the Treasury Board, and Audrey Bogemans Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Québec.

Climate change poses new challenges for the agri-food sector. Companies need to adapt. The selected research projects all aim to reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems while building their resiliency, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. The projects will be carried out by interdisciplinary teams bringing together the expertise of researchers, businesses, agricultural producers and government partners.

Québec’s research teams have once again distinguished themselves on a Canada-wide scale, with two major projects selected for total investments of $23 million, of which $2.9 million is provided by the Québec government through Génome Québec.

Funding interdisciplinary challenge teams is one of the three components of the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative. The other two components will fund a data coordination centre and a knowledge mobilization and implementation coordination centre.

Quotes

“Genomics technologies have produced some of the most impressive scientific breakthroughs of the past two decades, and it just keeps going thanks to the leadership of our researchers. Our government is proud to support the 9 teams announced today as they are another great example of Canada’s role as a world leader in this field. Their expertise will help bring us forward in reducing the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems, while continuing to develop innovation.”

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“It’s through projects that mobilize Québec’s scientific, academic and industrial communities that we’ll continue to strengthen our research and innovation capacity in strategic sectors. In addition to stimulating interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiatives co-funded here by Génome Québec will help to decarbonize our agri-food industry. A fine example of genomics’ contribution to Québec’s energy transition.”

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region

“Genome Canada is proud to drive solutions to the climate crisis and Canada’s leadership on this major global challenge. By harnessing the power of genomics and the strengths of diverse researchers, institutions, companies and communities, the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative will support vital transformation across one of the most important sectors for Canada’s economy, health and wellbeing.”

Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada

“Genomics technologies have produced some of the most impressive scientific breakthroughs of the past two decades, and it just keeps going thanks to the leadership of our researchers. Our government is proud to support the 9 teams announced today as they are another great example of Canada’s role as a world leader in this field. Their expertise will help bring us forward in reducing the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems, while continuing to develop innovation.”

Josette-Renée Landry, President and CEO of Génome Québec

“To fight against waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we need to better manage food residues. Our research project aims to optimize the transformation processes of organic waste by microorganisms in nature-inspired bioreactors. This work will contribute to finding concrete solutions to the climate crisis.”

Joan Laur, Assistant professor, University of Montréal, researcher, Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Botanist and researcher, Montréal Botanical Garden and Louise Hénault-Éthier, Associate Professor, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Director of the Centre Eau Terre Environnement and R&D and Innovation Director, TriCycle Inc.

About Génome Québec

Génome Québec’s mission is to catalyze the development and excellence of genomics research and promote its integration and democratization. It is a pillar of the Québec bioeconomy and contributes to Québec’s influence and its social and sustainable development. The funds invested by Génome Québec are provided by the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE), the Government of Canada, through Genome Canada, and private partners. To learn more, visit www.genomequebec.com.

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Contact

Alexandra Roy 

Senior Advisor, Public Affairs

Génome Québec

819-212-0459

aroy@genomequebec.com

Nicola Katz

Director, Communications

Génome Canada

613-297-0267

nkatz@genomecanada.ca