This initiative will improve profitability in Alberta's crop sector based on secure market opportunities. The Alberta crop industry will become more competitive, gain new markets and retain existing markets in a competitive world. Focus Areas: 1. Research and development in support of new products, improved markets, technologies and processes directly benefiting Alberta's crop sector. This includes integrated crop management systems, disease and pest management technology, germplasm/crop breeding systems/variety development and traceability and food safety development in the crop sectors. 2. Development of new crops and new uses for existing crops. 3. Research in crop-based product and market development at home and abroad based on Alberta's agricultural renewable resources. This is on an industry scale and excludes specific product or brand development. 4. Evaluate and develop new technologies to improve efficiency of crop production Objectives: 1. In response to identified markets, improve the profitability of crops. 2. Increase the capability of farmers to manage risk through improved production technology, increased market responsiveness. 3. Increase diversification of crops through market-driven research and development resulting in more alternatives for producers and more products from existing crops. 4.  Improve consumer confidence in food with respect to safety and quality. Funding:       Original: $18 million       Remaining: $3 million (2/14/12) ACIDF Deliverables: 1. New technologies in integrated crop management 2. Disease or pest solution technology or practice (biotic and abiotic threats) 3. Diversification - new products manufactured in Alberta and/or expansion into new markets 4.  Systems supporting increased water and nutrient use efficiency in crops

Matching Requirements Fund 2006 applications must include industry investment to match ACIDF investment. Industry cash, and in some cases limited in-kind, must be confirmed before the grant contract is completed. While industry investment does not need to comprise 1/2 of the project funding, it does need to equal or exceend  ACIDF investment.  Given industry investment first, ACIDF may also  match eligible federal funding to a maximum of the industry dollars available. To qualify, federal investment must not be specifically excluded, must not be designated to Alberta, and must have the allocation of federal funding controlled outside of Alberta. For more information, refer to the Fund 2006 segment of the business plan or contract ACIDF directly.  

© ACIDF -  Mar 2013