The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) Wet Processing Lab and the Canadian Wheat Board Dry Processing Lab will open officially today as part of the grand-opening of the University of Alberta's new Agri-Food Discovery Place (AFDP).

The labs, named for the CWB's commitment to research into value-added processing, represent an integral part of AFDP's mandate to develop new ways to use materials from plant and animal sources. The crop-focussed research at AFDP will emphasize food safety and grain-based, value-added products with health or other benefits as well as industrial product applications.

"Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers will reap dividends from this investment in the form of value-added opportunities for their crops," said CWB president and CEO Adrian Measner. "AFDP is poised to set the pace in terms of in research and the development of technologies for value-added food and non-food products. This is a natural partnership; it will benefit western Canadian wheat and barley farmers and AFDP."

The CWB's contribution of $400,000 will be funded through the CWB's special account, comprised of farmer cheques that have remained uncashed for six years or more. Representatives of the CWB will sit on the AFDP advisory committee.

Opening ceremonies begin at 2 p.m., June 23, at the Edmonton Research Station (University Farm), followed by tours and a reception.

Dr. John Kennelly, Dean of Agriculture, Forestry, and Home Economics at the University of Alberta, said the university is pleased with the CWB's investment in AFDP.

"Agri-Food Discovery Place makes Western Canada a world-leader in discovering food and industrial uses of crops," he said. "The CWB's investment in this research demonstrates their commitment to finding stronger and more diversified markets for producers."

As well as its contribution of $400,000, the CWB will dedicate to AFDP its existing U of A graduate fellowship. Funding of the fellowship will total up to $58,000 annually. This is in addition to five U of A scholarships totalling $8,250 funded by the CWB.

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less the costs of marketing, to Prairie farmers.