Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. announced today a $50,000 contribution toward the new pulse field lab research addition being built at the University of Saskatchewan.

“We are extremely pleased to be a part of this important project,” says David Hoar, Crop Manager - Pulses with Syngenta in Calgary. “The work done in this new lab will be instrumental to the further development and continued success of Canada’s pulse industry, and we are very proud to support that.”

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) is raising capital for the construction of a world-class, multi-user pulse crop field research facility, which is being built in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.  The new facility will be a 14,000 square foot addition to the existing Crop Science Field Laboratory, which was built in 1971 when the pulse industry was in its infancy. The addition will provide enhanced capacity and efficiency in pulse breeding, physiology, pathology and agronomy research. 

“Syngenta has been a major supporter of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers activities, and is a Platinum Sponsor for many of our events, including Pulse Days and the upcoming Summer Pulse Tour,” says Dean Corbett, Chairman of the SPG Board. “We are proud to acknowledge Syngenta as a partner in the new pulse field lab facility currently being built at the University of Saskatchewan. “ 

The new field lab facility, along with SPG’s dedication to expanding pulse research, is expected to benefit growers and industry alike.  A 2003 study showed that every dollar SPG investments in pulse crop research leads to a $15.60 return for farmers and a $31.30 return for the industry as a whole. 

Support from industry has been strong. “We see this as a joining of forces between industry and growers, to ensure that the pulse industry is here for the long-term and continues to be competitive in the world marketplace”, says Corbett. “We’re really on the home stretch from a fundraising perspective and Syngenta’s contribution is giving us the momentum we need”. About $100,000 remains to be raised in the capital campaign for the project.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. 

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers represents over 20,000 pulse crop producers in Saskatchewan.  Accountable to growers and funded through a mandatory check-off, SPG has a producer-elected board of directors comprised of seven pulse growers.  With a legislated mandate to build a prosperous pulse industry in Saskatchewan, SPG invests in research and market development and promotes sustainable innovation, growth and success through leadership, collaboration and support.