New Research Funding
for 2025-2026
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By Brittany Visscher
Research Director, Alberta Canola
As the 2026-27 call for research Letters of Intent are well underway, Alberta Canola wraps up signing agreements from the 2025-26 cycle. A total of 16 Full Proposals were accepted for funding by Alberta Canola, totaling over $1.42 million. This level of funding was possible due to the collaborative efforts of SaskOilseeds, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), Alberta Innovates, Alberta Grains, and Prairie Oat Growers Association, as the projects’ total costs were $5.83 million.
“Targeted research investments today are building a more resilient canola crop for tomorrow.”
Canola diseases remain a top priority for canola growers and consequently received the most funding, just under $1 million. The 10 disease projects include clubroot, verticillium, and sclerotinia with an emphasis on genetic and agronomic advancements. Additional high level research priorities including abiotic stresses, weeds, nutrient management, and flea beetles were also funded in this cycle. Market development continues to be a priority, but unfortunately, with limited applications received, no projects were funded for the 2025-26 cycle.
Alberta Canola’s 2025 Research Survey
Alberta Canola has traditionally supported research on crop production, pest management, and market demand. As the research portfolio grew and the number of submitted Letters of Intent increased, Alberta Canola recognized the need to more clearly identify specific grower needs. While past Research Symposiums in Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, and Red Deer provided initial guidance for more targeted priorities, the organization recognized the need for broader and more detailed feedback. In addition to this need, and to support a new strategic plan and increased research budgets, Alberta Canola launched a comprehensive, two-phased survey in the Fall of 2025.
The Research Committee is eager to analyze the data to identify critical gaps in our portfolio and ensure every dollar delivers maximum value to all Alberta Canola growers. Recognizing the diverse production and environmental challenges across Alberta enables us to build a more robust, resilient production system. Alberta Canola looks forward to sharing these results and revised funding targets later this year. Keep an eye out for the Fall Newsletter!