Agricultural Innovation: What are the Motivating Factors? (Part 1)

The University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College are now partners in a project designed to further cooperation between the institutions in the delivery of agriculture-related programming. The agreement is a commitment between the university and college to collectively advance learning, research and innovation opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness, including the development of the Centre for Agricultural Research and Agribusiness Innovation (CARAI) and the implementation of the Cor Van Raay Southern Alberta Agribusiness Program. It also calls for the formalization of initiatives that will bring together the mandates of other agencies and organizations in the region, such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry as well as relevant producer and agriculture industry companies and organizations. How will new programs benefit learners and the future of the agricultural industry? What will be the main focus of such research and innovation? Will the emphasis be mainly on large scale industrial farming or are smaller local producers also likely to benefit? Is sustainability the primary aim? Will crops depending on irrigation be prioritized? The speaker will explain challenges and possible benefits of this new project which is funded by both private and public money. Speaker: Mr. David Hill David Hill currently holds two roles at the University of Lethbridge. He is jointly appointed by the University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge College as the Director of Development for the Southern Alberta Agriculture Program. This initiative brings together and integrates academic training, research and applied research across the university college in the areas of agriculture and agribusiness and capitalizes on research collaborations with federal, provincial, industry and producer groups. David is also the Director of Centres and Institutes and Research Advocacy for the University of Lethbridge. In this role, David assists university research institutes and centres in meeting their goals and objectives, in finding new opportunities for trans-disciplinary collaboration between centres and institutes and between the University of Lethbridge and other national and international research universities and organizations. David has over 40 years of experience in water, agriculture and natural resource management. He was a member of the Alberta Water Council for 9 years until joining the University of Lethbridge in 2012. David is the Chair of the ASTech Foundation, a Board member of the Agriculture and Food Council and Inside Education. He also serves as Water Policy Co-Chair for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. Moderator:   Bobbi Cullum Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)