Grant: Alliance Grants

The LeafHope project addresses the environmental and economic challenges faced by Canadian agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of strawberries, blueberries, and canola, which collectively represent a yearly economic value of $31B. The cultivation of these crops often relies heavily on fertilizers and insecticides, contributing to GHG emissions and groundwater contamination. A primary concern is the impact of leafhopper pests that transmit diseases to these crops. In response, a multidisciplinary team of 18 academics has proposed the LeafHope project, aiming to devise sustainable agricultural methods to significantly reduce synthetic insecticide use while ensuring high yields. The project has garnered the support of over 140 growers, 8 grower associations, and industry leaders, with a combined in-kind contribution of $1M. The LeafHope insecticide reduction toolkit is expected to revolutionize Canadian agriculture by reducing pesticide use and GHG emissions, placing Canada at the vanguard of global sustainable agriculture. Moreover, the initiative plans to fill existing knowledge gaps concerning the effects of climate change on insect migratory patterns, population dynamics, and insecticide resistance. The project's novel and comprehensive approach leverages cutting-edge technologies for pest management, making it distinct from previous endeavors. Furthermore, the project builds upon and expands existing research partnerships, ensuring continued efforts even beyond the scope of LeafHope. Overall, this initiative represents a holistic and forward-thinking response to the multifaceted challenges faced by Canadian agriculture in a rapidly changing climate.