Information for Research Scientists

SaskCanola funds research projects on a regular basis through a variety of mechanisms, including cost-sharing with other commissions, canola producer associations, provincial and federal government initiatives.

Projects must meet the intent of the overall mandate of the commission, which is to enhance canola producers' competitiveness and profitability through research, market development, and extension activities.

Research projects often fall into one of three areas of interest:

1. New agronomic research providing producer benefits directly by increasing profits through efficient use of inputs
2. Development of new traits in canola to support profitable production
3. Expanded market demand through new uses of canola seed, whether the oil or meal component

Direct application for funding can be made through the SaskCanola research proposal process which normally includes two phases:

1. Letters of Intent (LOI) will be due prior to November 19th, 2010 and will include:

• No more than 2 pages
• Project title
• Names and organizations of principal researchers
• Rationale
• Deliverables
• Relevance to Producers
• Brief method
• Duration and Budget

2. Notification of success or failure in the LOI process and requests for detailed proposals will be made prior to December 15th, 2010 with due date in early February and final notification by early March, 2011.

Note: If you have already submitted a letter or proposal through the Canola Council of Canada's Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) system, which includes the partnership of all three prairie Commissions, you do not need to reapply through the SaskCanola process.

Applications are considered based on the following parameters:

1. Given that the funds are generated through producer investment, the research must be shown to enhance canola producers' competitiveness and profitability.
2. Assuming the project adheres to the previous parameter, funds are provided to further develop agronomics, traits and new uses of canola constituents.
3. Efficient and effective use of resources, including effective partnerships and matching fund initiatives.

For more information, feel free to contact the Research Manager:

Pat Flaten, Research Manager
Phone: 306-975-0730 , Fax: 306-975-0136 , Email: Click to email Pat