Agriculture research is essential to helping one of Alberta’s longest-lasting and largest sectors remain strong and continue to grow.

Alberta’s agriculture sector has a well-earned reputation for making the world’s best agri-food products, from high-quality honey to top-shelf triticale. That reputation is owed in part to innovative research the province’s two crop diversification centres (CDC) have been conducting for decades, that directly benefits farmers.

With that in mind, Budget 2025 earmarked a total of $5.2 million for repairs, upgrades, replacements and operational support at both CDC North in northeast Edmonton and CDC South, southeast of Brooks.

Alberta’s farmers are the best in the world, driven by a tradition of constant innovation. Investing in our crop diversification centres ensures world-class research continues to deliver practical solutions that help our producers stay competitive.”  Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

The funding supports upgrades and replacements to greenhouses, labs and administrative buildings at both sites. It also funds essentials that have increased in cost, like fertilizer, seeds and pesticides.  

“Both crop diversification centres are prime examples of how successful government-industry collaboration can be. This funding will help ensure the researchers and support staff at both locations can continue their sector-leading work.”  RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

CDC South is a production and research greenhouse facility and base of operations for plant health surveillance and field operations. CDC North serves a similar function and is also home to the Alberta Plant Health Lab, the Bee Health Team, Alberta’s Seed Potato Repository and more.

"Leading U of A researchers leverage the CDC North facility to conduct applied research in support of issues and opportunities for Albertan producers – developing advancements and technologies in agriculture, food, soil science and more to improve food security and make this critical sector of our economy increasingly profitable and sustainable."  Rickey Yada, dean, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta

Funding Breakdown:

• CDC South:

  • $3 million for facility repairs and upgrades

  • $500,000 for operational support

• CDC North:

  • $1.2 million for facility repairs and replacements

  • $500,000 for operational support