Skip to content

Olds College to share agriculture research with other colleges

To support Alberta’s economic recovery, seven of Alberta’s Colleges and Polytechnics have signed a declaration to work together to advance agriculture and food research in Alberta.
25986262_web1_210728-RDA-college-collective_1
Olds College signed an agreement to collaborate and share research with six other Alberta learning institutions to advance agriculture and food research in the province. (Contributed photo).

To support Alberta’s economic recovery, seven of Alberta’s Colleges and Polytechnics have signed a declaration to work together to advance agriculture and food research in Alberta.

The declaration means Olds College will work with Grande Prairie Regional College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge College, Medicine Hat College, NAIT, and SAIT to enhance agriculture and food research.

The seven learning institutions plan to share data, expertise and research capabilities, while supporting the evolution of policy and advocating for the industry.

“Individually Alberta’s colleges and polytechnics play a critical role in supporting agriculture and food research, collectively our impact is even greater,” said Stuart Cullum, president, Olds College.

In 2020, Alberta’s agri-food sector was a $56 billion industry and the largest employer in Alberta. “It will continue to be a foundational industry for our region’s economic success,” Cullum predicted.

“While our institutions are already doing much to collaborate in support of its growth and prosperity, this declaration further solidifies our intent to work in an integrated fashion,” he added.

The learning institutions intend to identify joint research opportunities, while supporting consistent and competitive fee structures for agriculture and food-related applied research services.

Students at these post-secondary schools will have work-integrated learning opportunities. And each institution plans to bring its own applied research specialties in agriculture, technology, and environment to the table.