B.C., federal governments supporting Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s new research farm and seed laboratory

The British Columbia and federal governments are together providing $1.34 million to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) new 8.1-hectare research farm and seed laboratory in Richmond, B.C. The B.C. government invested $670,000 through its B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, which funds world-class research and innovation throughout the province. Funding has helped purchase seed-testing equipment for a newly renovated seed lab, as well as farm irrigation systems, a greenhouse and post-harvest processing facilities. The provincial funds are being matched by the federal Canada Foundation for Innovation. An additional $335,000 was contributed by partners in the organic seed industry and through funding raised by KPU. The research farm will be certified organic and will enable growers, researchers and students to observe new technologies being tested and participate in workshops highlighting research results. The seed lab will allow seed growers to carry out quality control on seed and use the data to inform better growing practices.