Edmonton... Alberta's agricultural research capacity will continue to grow with a commitment of $30 million by the Alberta government towards upgrading greenhouse facilities and purchasing research lands.

Doug Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, said the funds are necessary for Alberta to remain a leader in both crop and animal research. "We're building a strong and sustainable agriculture research sector that has the infrastructure and lands in place to deliver on our world-recognized programs."

The new greenhouses at the provincial Crop Diversification Centre in Brooks will house small-scale research projects, large production environmental ranges that simulate conditions in a commercial greenhouse operation, and administrative offices and labs. The $15-million upgrades will help the centre research crop production and protection for Alberta's $110-million per year greenhouse industry.

As well, $15 million will be used to purchase land housing a number of agri-food industry research projects.