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September 12, 2006
New Opportunities for Agriculture Research
KELOWNA, B.C. — Research in the Okanagan’s value-added agriculture industry received a substantial boost today with investments totalling $355,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The funds enable the University of British Columbia Okanagan to acquire leading-edge research equipment and establish a new Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre.
“Canada’s new government is committed to supporting research and development,” said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “These projects will provide a highly-skilled agri-food workforce and develop new research technology which could result in increased economic benefits to rural communities.
“UBC Okanagan’s research capacity is increasing rapidly,” said UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Doug Owram. “We have established centers of research that are among Canada’s premier labs exploring issues in agri-food and chemical analysis, species at risk, and habitat studies. Western Economic Diversification Canada is an important partner in funding the infrastructure and programs necessary to build our research capacity.”
The University of British Columbia Okanagan will purchase new research equipment to improve the quality of high-value products within Okanagan agricultural industry including grapes, apples and lavender. The University has also established the new Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre which leading to new research and technology development. The Centre will also provide industry-specific training courses to complement degree programs.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada.
For additional information, contact:
|
Mike Winterburn
Mike Winterburn Karl Yeh |
Bud Mortensen Web site: www.ubc.ca |
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378) |
Backgrounder
Value-added Agriculture Applied Research
The University of British Columbia Okanagan will receive $195,000 to purchase analytical and measurement equipment of conduct research in three high-value products in the value-added agricultural industry: Wine/grapes, apples and lavender. The research will enable improved harvesting techniques and enhance yield production.
Wines/Grapes:
Research will be conducted to detect bacterial and smoke contamination from forest fires.
Apples:
The research will develop new methods to detect and control bacterial and fungi pathogens in apples during cold storage. It will also develop new techniques to control post-harvest decay.
Lavender:
Lavenders are perennial herbs that produce essential oils that are used extensively used in foods, cosmetics and personal care products. The research will help lavender farmers develop plants that are best suited for the BC climate and help the growth of the industry in Canada.
Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre
An investment of $160,000 has been provided to the Okanagan Regional Chemical Analysis Centre at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. The Centre will provide research and analytical services to the agri-food, wine and other industries in the Okanagan region. The Centre will also be able to offer short term training courses outside credited degree programs targeted to the immediate needs of the local industry.