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Saskatoon: investing in the future of food production

Saskatoon: investing in the future of food production

Saskatchewan, located in the heart of Canada’s prairies, is a leader in the agriculture sector. The province is the largest agri-food products exporter in Canada and has developed a reputation around the globe for its high-quality ingredients, including grains, oilseeds and pulses. Along with playing a leading role in food production, Saskatchewan is at the forefront of agricultural innovation — with cutting-edge research centres and the brightest minds working to solve some of the most pressing food issues. 

 

Strong government support 

Thanks to significant provincial and federal government investments in agriculture research and development programs, Saskatchewan’s leadership in the sector only continues to strengthen.  

In March 2021, the Canada Foundation for Innovationicons.external-link-icon announced that it is investing a staggering $3.2M in the creation of a cutting-edge biomanufacturing facility at the University of Saskatchewan. The Engineering Biology Agri-food Innovation Centre will leverage emerging technologies to tackle food security needs and accelerate agri-food innovation — from developing plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change, to creating new flavourings for the plant-based meat industry. 
 
A few months later, the Government of Canadaicons.external-link-icon announced support for Indigenous food and agriculture initiatives, which are aimed at helping provide equitable access to healthy food and increase participation of under-represented groups in the sector. One of the recipients, 4-C Farms Limited Partnership, is receiving up to $954,000 to reintroduce grain farming as a viable business and career path and to finalize a business plan so that Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan can expand its farming operation to 2,000 acres. 
 
Additionally, 18 University of Saskatchewan crop research projects have been awarded a total of almost $5.8M through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fundicons.external-link-icon, a program jointly supported by the federal and provincial governments and supplemented by industry partners. A few of the projects supported by the program include research into disease resistant and nutritious crops, biodegradable plastics made of plants and tracing the carbon footprint of an agricultural operation. 

A vibrant ecosystem 

In addition to exceptional government support, Saskatchewan has many features that contribute to its reputation as an agriculture hub. With more than 40% of Canada’s cultivated farmland, the province is Canada’s primary growing region. One-third of the world’s durum wheat is grown in the province and it’s the largest exporter in the world of lentils, canola and dried peas. 

Saskatchewan is also home to a diverse and talented pool with over 36,900 employed in the agriculture sector, industry leading research facilities and competitive operating costs. 

A place to meet 

The support for and innovation in Saskatchewan, and specifically the city of Saskatoon, a destination of choice for meetings and conferences focused on the sector. Scientists from around the world are taking notice of the innovative research being done in the region and are leveraging its intellectual capital to host truly informative events.  

“Saskatoon research teams are constantly producing breakthroughs in areas like crop genomics and protein processing, which have been essential in feeding the future. Agribusiness has put Saskatoon on the world map by creating a central hub for successful innovation and collaboration, making this the perform place to explore business events and investment.”

Candace Schierling, director of business development at Tourism Saskatoon

Easy to get around 

Saskatoon’s newly renovated and award-winning international airport is located only 10 minutes from the downtown core, and provides direct or one-stop service to over 240 global destinations. Saskatoon is also home to a VIA Rail Canada station and is conveniently accessed by major highways. 

Once in Saskatoon, getting around couldn’t be easier. In fact, Saskatoon is known as a “three-song city,” which means that you can get anywhere in the city in just three tunes. Saskatoon also has strong conference infrastructure, with 800,000 square feet of state-of-the-art event space and over 5,000 hotel rooms. And with a walkable downtown, delegates have the chance to discover the many eateries and shops in between meetings and sessions. 

 

Meetings with purpose  

By augmenting speakers’ series with passionate industry innovators and enriching programming with localized tours, business event organizers can attract delegates, increase revenues and inspire future generations.   

“We call that 'meeting with purpose’,” adds Schierling, pointing out that Saskatchewan is poised to show off its thriving agriculture sector and the local industry leaders who are pioneering new advances to ensure a more sustainable future.   
 

For more information, visit Tourism Saskatoon.icons.external-link-icon 
 

Wherever you hail from, you’ll feel the specialness of this land. Saskatoon is built on Treaty 6 Territory and The Homeland of The Metis. A traditional meeting ground, gathering place and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux, this land is sacred. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries in the past and the imprints we'll make together going forward. We pay our respect for this land of incredible beauty. As we reaffirm our relationship with one another and commit to building strong, lasting partnerships, we are so grateful for the sacrifices made by the Indigenous community. We give thanks for our opportunity to thrive on these traditional lands and know that you will feel at home here, too.