SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA — The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) and Viterra Inc. announced on Nov. 19 that Viterra is investing C$2 million to support the institute's mission to address the increasing global demand for safe, reliable food.

The five-year funding agreement will make Viterra the lead grain industry partner to join the founding partners, PotashCorp, the province of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan.

"Viterra is proud to take a leadership role by making this significant investment in the future prosperity of our farm customers and the sustainability of western Canadian agriculture," said Kyle Jeworski, Viterra's president and chief executive officer (CEO) for North America. "Enhanced yield and agronomic improvements for the major crops grown in Western Canada are among the benefits we see resulting from our investment in this historic initiative. It will also contribute to a vibrant economy in the province and the University of Saskatchewan as a center of excellence in plant science research."

"We greatly appreciate and thank Viterra for its significant funding commitment," said Dr. Roger Beachy, executive director and CEO for the institute. "GIFS is focused on global food solutions. With the world's population increasing at a rate of approximately 200,000 people per day, or 70 million per year, the Institute will address the growing global demand for safe, reliable food and sustainable crop production through sponsorship of preeminent agriculture research and leading innovation. The 'bioscience cluster' of industry, business and academia in Saskatchewan related to agriculture and food production is one of the strongest of its type in North America and their support is important to GIFS success. Leading companies and partners such as Viterra whose enterprises foster and depend on agriculture and food are helping make the viable and successful in this mission."

As part of the agreement Viterra will also provide the institute with land adjacent to its rural facilities, and through its strong customer relationships, identify farmer participants for GIFS research field trials. Demonstration sites are integral to the success of research initiatives supporting GIFS agronomic research going forward.