The Western Grains Research Foundation Endowment Fund has announced it's established a graduate scholarship that will rotate between the Universities of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Each university will receive $100,000 every three years, and can choose to fund one Ph. D student at rate of $33,000 per year for three years or two master students at $25,000 per year for two years.

Chair Don Dewar feels this is a good way to encourage more young people to study plant science, noting university officials are telling them there is declining student interest in plant science and crop research. He believes this fits with the WGRF's mandate, pointing to the fact the Endowment Fund is to be used for anything that's deemed to benefit Western Canadian farmers. Dewar feels they are meeting that goal if they can help develop stronger plant breeding programs by encouraging more post-secondary students to continue their studies in crop research. "Access to highly trained specialists in crop research is essential for the sustainability and growth of a vibrant and competitive agriculture economy in Western Canada," notes Dewar.

Michael Trevan, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, says, "The University of Manitoba has a proud tradition of graduate education in the agricultural sciences, particularly in grains and oilseeds research. We believe successful graduate students are vital to the Canadian agri-food industry and we are thrilled to receive this generous funding, which will encourage and enable young crop researchers in their studies."

Dewar notes many of the plant breeders finding their way to the Prairies are not trained in Canada, making it harder to retain them for the long term. He adds Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has recently replaced a few breeding positions that were vacant, but they don't seem to be expanding breeding programs which is something Dewar believes needs to be done.

Dewar says there is no sunset clause on the scholarship program, and they are hoping it will stay in place for many years to come.

The University of Manitoba will be accepting scholarship applications in August for the upcoming academic year. Details on how to apply for the WGRF Endowment Fund Scholarship can be found on the University of Manitoba's website.