$50 million committed toward food security institute at University of Saskatchewan

SASKATOON – The province of Saskatchewan and PotashCorp are committing $50 million over the next seven years towards the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS). 

The institute, located at the University of Saskatchewan, will look for solutions to feed a growing world population, applying Saskatchewan’s unique resources, innovation and expertise to address the need for safe and reliable food. 

“Food security remains our biggest challenge as populations increase and diets change, putting immense strain on food production,” said Bill Doyle, president and CEO of PotashCorp. 

The $35 million contribution from PotashCorp is the largest donation in the company’s history and is one of the largest corporate donations for university research in Canada. 

Doyle said the investment is needed to help famers around the world produce more food. 

“As the world’s largest producer of crop nutrients, supporting food production is a mandate for our company and we believe this institute can play an important role in improving global food security.” 

Premier Brad Wall said the institute positions Saskatchewan to be a global leader in food security and innovation. 

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“Advancing Saskatchewan’s agriculture advantage allows us to significantly increase the global food supply – our moral obligation as a good global citizen – while building the next economy, an innovation economy, here at home,” Wall said in announcing the province’s $15 million contribution to the institute. 

GIFS will take a strategic approach to the food supply system and not only look at developing new science and technologies, but how it can impact the policy agenda so changes can take place to improve how the various parts of the food system interact. 

Dr. Ilene Busch-Vishiniac, president of the U of S, said the location of the new institute on campus solidifies its reputation as a world-renowned centre of excellence in agriculture and food-system related research. 

“This collaborative institute will create unique opportunities for cutting-edge science and policy research that will attract top faculty and students and put Saskatchewan on the global map for food security research.” 

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the parties outlining the institute’s mandate, funding, structure and governance. 

A search is now underway to find an executive director and CEO.

Global Institute for Food Security backgrounder