Genomics-enabled tools are building climate change resilience and strengthening Canadian agriculture and agri-food industries.
A new project funded through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) will use the power of genomics to deliver nature-based solutions for pest management, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
Announced in April 2023, a new investment of $56.7 million will support the latest round of GAPP projects, fuelling late-stage research and development (R&D) projects addressing real world opportunities and challenges, including a $4 million investment in sustainable agriculture.
NEW PROJECT ENABLING SUSTAINBLE AGRICULTURE IN CANADA
Biopesticide with new modes of action for control of highly polyphagous mite agricultural pests
Dr. Vojislava Grbic (University of Western Ontario), Dr. Ken Narva (Greenlight Biosciences, Inc.) and Niki Bennett (Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers) will develop, register and commercialize a biopesticide—an alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides with a reduced environmental footprint—to manage outbreaks of the two-spotted spider mite, which poses a particular threat to crop security due to its resistance to normal pesticides. Pest management is a top priority for Canada’s horticulture greenhouse sector, which provides fresh produce year-round. This project has the potential to be a game-changer for mite control, with the potential to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits for Canadian food producers. Funded through Ontario Genomics.
EXPLORE OUR CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS INITIATIVE
Producing more high-quality, safe food with less environmental impact is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Launched in May 2022, the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative is investing $30 million in cutting-edge genomic research and innovation to reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems—building their resiliency, environmental sustainability and economic viability. Learn more.
ABOUT GAPP
The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) supports industry-facing partnered research projects that address real-world challenges. Designed to accelerate the social and economic impact of genomics, GAPP provides the space for research, innovation and application to thrive collaboratively. This latest milestone investment marks the 100th project funded through GAPP and the 10th anniversary of the program, with a total investment of approximately $477.1 million to date, of which $17.9 million in was invested last fiscal, 2022-23. GAPP projects address real-world challenges and opportunities through greater collaboration between genomics scientists and the users of genomics research. They aim to stimulate public- and private-sector investment in Canadian genomics technologies, advancing technology uptake in receptors and moving technologies across readiness levels.