A 53-member stakeholder consortium, including Olds College, could find out early in 2018 whether it has qualified for some of the $950 million being made available though a new federal agriculture promotion program.
The Smart Agri-Food Supercluster (SASC) has been shortlisted for the funding. There were 50 groups that applied, with nine being shortlisted on Oct. 12.
Jason Bradley, SASC secretariat lead from Olds College, says the group will be making a full application to the federal government by next month.
"It's a pan-Canada group made up of key industry producer associations and some post-secondary institutions," Bradley told the Gazette. "We know the full application has to be submitted by November 24."
The SASC is "focused on creating value by removing barriers in field systems that span the value chain from input providers to growers, processors, grocers and the public," he said.
Other partners in the consortium include the Alberta Cattle Feeders, Canadian Cattlemen's Association, and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
Olds College president Stuart Cullum said in a news release that the goal of the SASC is to "accelerate agri-food innovation efforts through a unique collaboration framework."
The college will be working with its partners in the consortium to "more fully define the SASC's governance, operating processes and principles, as well as to full outline our foundational projects," he said.
Bill Whitelaw is chair of the SASC steering committee.
"Through strategic investment, the (SASC) will help position Canada as an agriculture leader, creating new jobs, investment and enhancing market access for the ag sector, while improving social and environmental performance," Whitelaw said in the news release.
"We want to approach innovation from a systems perspective, in order to create a Canada-wide platform to help link together key partners and expertise in the country's agri-food value chain."
