GUELPH, ONT. — The Ontario Cereal Industry Research Council (OCIRC) has received a grant of C$422,000 ($390,500) to research the gluten quality of winter wheat, said Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux.
The research is expected to benefit the Ontario wheat industry by identifying traits that will help build new markets for winter wheat through enhanced milling and the development of additional uses for winter wheat. A research goal is to help farmers gain access to new, locally adaptable winter wheat varieties that meet buyers’ changing preferences.
The investment in the gluten research is being made through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and consists of a five-year initiative with up to C$698 million available.
“Winter wheat is a significant contributor to Ontario’s economy and innovative investments like this will drive growth and productivity in the sector,” said Henry Olechowski, president of the Ontario Cereal Industry Research Council. “The research is expected to increase the value of winter wheat and expand market opportunities for Canadian producers.”
