The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has taken a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture by appointing Dr. Kate Congreves as the Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture.
This initiative is set to propel Canada to the forefront of environmentally responsible farming practices.
Supported by a $4 million endowment, with contributions from the Jarislowsky Foundation, BMO, and the USask Greystone Heritage Trust, this chair position emphasizes USask's dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector through cutting-edge research.
Dr. Congreves, a respected expert in soil health and nitrogen cycling, will lead efforts to integrate sustainable practices into everyday farming, aiming to improve food security and environmental health.
Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at USask, highlighted the initiative's goals to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
Dr. Congreves will focus on practical solutions for nitrogen management, a crucial element for both crop production and ecological sustainability.
Her research will delve into the complexities of nitrogen use in agriculture, seeking ways to optimize its benefits while reducing its environmental footprint.
The chair's research agenda includes fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across various fields such as water management, livestock, and health, and engaging with social scientists and economists.
This comprehensive approach aims to produce evidence-based recommendations that will inform Canada's agricultural policies and promote sustainable practices nationwide.
The importance of this research is underscored by the support from both the Jarislowsky Foundation and BMO, which see this chair as pivotal in advancing the science of regenerative agriculture.
The Foundation is committed to supporting innovations that lead to sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the resilience of Canada's food systems against the backdrop of global climate challenges.
USask's new chair in regenerative agriculture is more than an academic role; it highlights sustainable farming innovation, and sets the stage to influence practices and policies in Canada and beyond.
With Dr. Congreves at the helm, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the BMO Soil Analytical Lab, USask is poised to make significant contributions to the future of agriculture.