Saskatchewan to host global food security institute

Regina, Sask. – A new global food security institute has been announced for the University of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan-based and led centre will be funded through a partnership of the university, the province and Saskatoon, Sask.-based PotashCorp.

The institute will apply the province’s unique resources, innovation and expertise to the challenge of feeding a growing global population.

Last November in a speech to the Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall announced his government’s intention to establish the institute. He noted that the province produces 67 per cent of the world’s lentils, 56 per cent of the world’s pea exports, 40 per cent of the world’s flax seed, 38 per cent of the world’s durum wheat, and half the world’s supply of fertilizer, making Saskatchewan a natural fit for the new centre. In addition, the centre would “build on the existing bonds between our post-secondary institutions and developing nations.”

Wall said that the mandate of the Global Institute for Food Security would be to focus on two main questions: How can we sustainably expand the supply and quality of food now and for the next century? And how can we ensure that food gets to those who need it most?

“The goal of the institute will be to create unparalleled innovations in food-related scientific discovery, technology and policy,” said Wall. “These could include brand new food production techniques, more effective and efficient food processes and management systems that speed delivery and avoid spoilage.”