The recently launched Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is now in the startup phase, a release from the Alberta Wheat and Barley commissions on May 25, says.
The Alberta government arm’s length operation recently held an initial series of outreach sessions with crop and livestock boards, commissions and associations, applied research associations, universities, colleges, funding agencies and private companies engaged in agriculture research. The sessions focused on introducing the groups to RDAR and establishing a platform for ongoing dialogue, the release says.
Gerald Hauer, former executive director of the Livestock and Crops Research branch with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has been named interim CEO of the new company, the release notes.
The interim board of directors and interim management team are working on establishing an advisory committee structure which will allow for further cross-sector engagement in building and directing of RDAR, the release says. The advisory model will include Alberta’s farmer boards, commissions and associations and applied research associations. RDAR’s business plan, governance and operating model are also under development.
RDAR is being supported through $37 million in provincial funding annually. Farmers, other governments and the private sector will provide co-funding. It is expected the new company will become incorporated and start funding projects by fall 2020.
