NEWS RELEASE
Stratford, ON – February 20, 2024 – Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) announced their $660,000 contribution towards an industry investment of $2 million in the Weed Management Professorship position based at the Ridgetown campus of the University of Guelph. “With the retirement of Dr. Peter Sikkema in 2024 this funding will not only ensure weed research continues for dry beans but will also support the Huron
Research Station for the next 10 years” said Dave Woods, Chair, Ontario Bean Growers.
The announcement was made in partnership with the University of Guelph during OBG’s Annual General Meeting in Stratford, Ontario with approximately 100 people in attendance.
“It’s going to be a year of transition,” explained Woods, “but ensuring research continues is our priority. Over the last year, 3 researchers at the University of Guelph have retired and OBG is ensuring the research momentum continues.” Although this
funding is tied to the Weed Management Professorship, the investment will ensure
bean breeding, disease and agronomy research continue as well.
The Huron Research Station, near Exeter, will also see a re-investment by the University of Guelph as they recognize the importance OBG places on this research station. OBG’s mission statement is “to advance the production and consumption of dry beans through research, promotions, advocacy, and communication, on behalf of Ontario’s dry bean growers.”
The OBG Weed Management Professorship will work alongside the Department of Plant Agriculture conducting cutting-edge research in sustainable field crop weed management practices. Funding for this project will help to rebuild and solidify field crop research, training, education, and knowledge transfer. In particular, the Huron Research Station, which operates out of the Ridgetown Campus, is a critically important site for practical, outcome-based field crop research.
Ontario’s nearly 1000 dry bean farmers produce a combined average of more than 100,000 acres of kidney, white pea, black turtle, romano and adzuki beans, with up to 90% of the crop exported to international markets.
Ryan Koeslag, Executive Director, Ontario Bean Growers – 519 510-8556;
