Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars attributed to USask’s Crop Development Centre – News

“It’s humbling to work with such a fantastic group of scientists that believe in the mission and vision of the centre, in terms of commitment to advancing science and delivering that innovation through the release of productive field-ready cultivars that are adopted by growers,” he said.

In addition to the financial contributions of the CDC to the Canadian economy, the assessment also highlighted the more than 428 students, alumni and faculty who trained at, or were involved with, the CDC and its research projects since it began in 1971. Many of those trained at the CDC have become leaders in the agricultural industry. 

Scientific work conducted at the CDC is targeted at real-world impacts, not simply research for the sake of research. Pozniak referred to it as the extensive “innovation pipeline” developed by the CDC, as the centre focuses on research from inception to frontline industry professionals.  

“Our research is deliberate, bold and strategic, and spans the continuum from the research lab all the way to farmers’ fields and ultimately to our dinner plates,” he said. “An important part of what we do so well is translating basic research into technologies and innovation that aligns with the needs of producers and consumers.”

The CDC is a unique centre for education, collaboration and scientific innovation – and while this Economic Assessment report showed tremendous growth and promise, the goal is to push ever onward.

“This report exemplifies the importance of the CDC, and our collective vision is to grow the centre more than it is, and to keep the momentum that started way back in 1971,” Pozniak said.