Released on October 30, 2015
Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart has proclaimed October 30 to November 6, 2015, as Biotech Week in Saskatchewan, in conjunction with National Biotechnology Week.
“Biotechnology is transforming Canada’s economy as well as the daily lives of Canadian citizens,” Stewart said. “In Saskatchewan, it is revolutionizing agriculture, but it is also making a major impact in the fields of manufacturing, health care and aerospace. The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to work with public and private biotech institutions and academia to develop Saskatchewan’s bioscience capacity. Our farmers and ranchers deserve the latest in scientific innovation as they work to feed the world.”
The Government of Saskatchewan supports agricultural biotechnology. This year, the Ministry of Agriculture has committed $26.7 million to agriculture research.
Ag-West Bio co-ordinates Saskatchewan’s Biotech Week activities.
“It is important for the public to understand the importance of biotechnology to our lives,” Ag-West Bio President and CEO Wilf Keller said. “Biotechnology has had a positive impact on agriculture, environment and health sectors. The events organized in Saskatchewan during Biotech Week create opportunities to learn more and celebrate science in Saskatchewan.”
Saskatchewan is home to two research universities, three research parks and numerous research and training institutions. With 700 professionals working at 30 private, public and academic facilities, Saskatchewan is home to approximately 30 per cent of the agricultural bioscience industry in Canada.
Numerous events will be held throughout the week to highlight the industry. For a full list of activities in Saskatchewan, see the Ag-West Bio website at www.agwest.sk.ca/events/178.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-4199