Grant: CCI Mobilize Grants

The proposed Agriculture Applied Research Program, to be implemented by Medicine Hat College, aims to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector, focusing on enhancing production, optimizing resource utilization, and addressing labor shortages and climate change impacts. Through a comprehensive five-year work plan, the program seeks to establish an agriculture applied research program emphasizing technology, science, and business innovation. Key objectives include facilitating, designing, and securing funding for time-sensitive applied research projects, strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders in the agriculture sector, increasing faculty and student involvement in applied research, and providing training for students aligned with partner innovation priorities. The program's importance lies in its alignment with Medicine Hat College's strategic plan and strategic applied research plan, contributing to regional vitality and equipping learners with essential workforce skills. By fostering collaboration, increasing participation, and providing training opportunities, the program aims to advance applied research priorities within the college and the broader agricultural community. Requested funding is crucial to meet the needs of the community and partners in the agriculture sector, supporting key personnel such as a full-time researcher, student research assistants, part time experts to allow faculty members participation, a research administrator, and student training. Additional funding sources and partnerships will ensure the program's long-term sustainability. Overall, the program addresses major innovation needs in the agricultural sector, offering solutions to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and mitigate challenges posed by labor shortages and climate change impacts. The community partners involved are stakeholders from the agriculture sector in the South Alberta region, ensuring that the research efforts are closely aligned with the needs and priorities of the local agricultural community.