The Link

8 Pages·2003·9.1 MB·English

by  Alberta Agricultural Research Institute

WINTER 2003
VOLUME III: ISSUE 1
AA I
WE BELIEVE
IN GROWING
Alberta Agricultural
ALBERTA’S Research Institute
ECONOMY
^ B uying Biotechnology?
Buying Biotechnology? 1
Several AARI-funded projects at the Dr. Michele Veernan has always taken a k een interest in public perceptions. H
U o f A a re exploring the public's views latest study, entitled "Risk Perceptions, Social Interactions, and the Influence of
on biotechnology.
Information on Social Attitudes to Agriculture Biotechnology,'' is exploring the
offs people make when purchasing food.^^^^y "^ , .. ^
Board Profile 3
Dr. Pete Desai's "Do It" Attitude.
Biotechnology. Frankenfoods. CMO.
You'd have to be living under a rock
For a B etter Alberta 4
for the past few years to not have heard
The Alberta Agricultural Research these buzzwords. Still, it is unclear if t he
Institute and its p artners have set out general population really understands
a strategic business plan for the entire the issues surrounding biotechnology.
agricultural research & d evelopment How reliable is the information they
system that will make Alberta an receive? How informed are consumers?
internationally renowned centre of Do they trust information sources? And
world-class research. when all is said and done, just how does
the general Canadian population feel
about biotechnology?
Navigating the Lagoon 5 Dr. Michele Veernan, professor in the
With a l ittle group effort, the Department of Rural Economy at the
research needs in the area of manure
University of Alberta, has watched the
management have been focused into biotechnology issue evolve from the very
five well-defined projects. beginning. She has taken a k een interest in Dr. Michele Veernan
pinning down some concrete answers on
Potato Potential 6 public awareness and acceptance of bio-
technology, specifically with plant-derived with Dr. Mel Lerohl, is researching the
Potato research has put Western genetically modified organisms (GMOs). cost implications of identity-preserving
Canada at the top of potato non-GMO wheat. As well, Elspeth White,
"In the past four years, more research has
production, with high quality, yield, been oriented to the consumer and social working with Dr. Wictor Adamowicz, is
and processing potential. attitudes towards food safety and quality," focusing on a case study of the costs of
she explains. pesticide damage averted from a p est
Currently, Veernan is involved in resistant crop. Dianne McCann has also
Making the Grade 7 several projects pertaining in some worked with Adamowicz on a survey to
Dr. john Basarab is helping to develop way to biotechnology, from the cost of explore acceptance of various regulatory
a l ong-term understanding of herd identity-preserving non-GM wheat to policies for biotechnology.
development that will pay off with the social attitudes concerning government
The largest project Veernan heads, enti-
greatest possible premiums for the regulation of biotech policies. Dr. Veernan tled "Risk Perceptions, Social Interactions,
Alberta beef industry. has a g reat team to work with, including and the Influence of Information
several Master of Science (M.Sc.) students on Social Attitudes to Agriculture
and two professors. Izzy Huygen, along
Alan Hall Leads the Team 8 Biotechnology," is a collaborative study
Continued on page 2
Alan Hall brings expertise, experience,
and a v ision for agricultural research in www.aari.ab.ca
Alberta to his new role as Director of AARI.
1
^ B uying Biotechnology?
Continued
with Adamowicz, in which they are gath- derived food, and how these perceptions
ering data from an extensive, nationwide, and choices may change with specific
Internet-based survey conducted during forms of information given in the proc-
December 2002. The project, largely
ess of t he survey," expands Veeman.
The top five agri-food exports funded by AARI, includes an experiment "We want to know what are the trusted
from Alberta in 2001 were:
based on 800 Canadians' choices indicat- sources of information."
• b eef and veal at $1 .7 billion ing how labelling, price, food safety, and In this particular survey, subjects were
• wheat at $1.2 billion health perceptions factor into grocery asked to describe their preferences in
• l ive cattle at $712 million purchasing decisions, and how opinions bread, first in terms of texture, brand
• canola at $448 million and information about biotechnology name, price, slice width, and ingredients
• p ork at $217 million affect these choices. (whole-wheat, white, multi-grain, etc.).
Veeman and her team consider it Consumers were then asked to state
Alberta food sales from grocery imperative to document how factors influ- what sort of perceptions they have of
stores and supermarkets exceeded ence peoples' perceptions and attitudes their common bread purchases concern-
$7.3 billion in 2001, while restaurant, to food biotechnology. "It will be helpful ing fibre, pesticide residue, sodium, and
caterer and tavern receipts totalled to see how attitudes GMO content.
about $4.5 billion. and trade-offs (in Once these basic
"We don't just want to
choices) vary," she preferences were
According to the 2001 Census says. Trade-offs in this know the general per- identified, consumers
of Agriculture, farms are 11 per case may be between ceptions ofp articipants. were then faced with
cent bigger, but there are 11 per higher or lower prices We want to know how different scenarios
cent fewer of them, compared to for food with certain different socio-demo- that affect purchas-
the last Census in 1996. The 2001 environmental or food
graphic factors affect ing decisions. As the
Census counted 246,923 farms in survey proceeded,
quality benefits or
Canada, with an average size of costs. "It will also be peoples' perceptions
676 acres. helpful to know how and food choices rela- the ptroresf ienrcleundcede i nf a tch-e
tive to a b iotechnologi- list of options were
the public is influ- altered in some way,
enced by i nformation cally derived food, and
(such as on labels, in how these perceptions in different combina-
the media, or from dif- and choices may change tions, to d etermine
ferent interest groups). what factors are more
with specific forms of
This should give us a important in the final
information given in the
better understanding
purchase decision.
For example, some
of how consumers' process of the survey."
attitudes are formed
purchase decision
and changed, how Dr. Michele Veeman, scenarios included
"contains genetically
people may react to Professor, Department of Rural
different information, Economy at the University of Alberta modified/engineered
and how risk informa-
ingredients" in the list
tion could best be communicated." of ingredients.
The survey is statistically configured to Participants were also asked to rate how
use detailed demographic information high they perceived their risks to be from a
to provide very specific answers to its series of health and environmental factors.
questions about what choice would be In the course of the survey, respondents
made and by whom. "Peoples' attitudes could choose to access further informa-
towards perceived risks and benefits are tion, from specific sources, about agri-
often different for people who differ cultural biotechnology and the possible
in age, gender, income, education and impacts that it could have on food quality
and the environment.
occupation," says Veeman. "We don't
just want to know the general percep- To evaluate what the general public
tions ofp articipants. We want to know
already knew, or perceived, about bio-
how different socio-demographic factors technology, the c onsumer was finally
affect peoples' perceptions and food asked to respond to common statements
choices relative to a b iotechnologically made about biotechnology in food, and
2
^ B oard Profile
decide whether they are true or false. Sample Survey Questions
An interesting segment of the study Posed to Participants
asked how reliable the participant felt
various sources of biotech information • Based on what you know or
were, including the government or think, is the bread you most
research institutions. often buy...
Veeman is encouraged by the potential
- O rganic
in this type of interactive computer-based
- L ow in fat
survey, as well as by the usefulness of the
results. "On a p rofessional level, this type - H igh in fibre
of research is unique. We've developed - F ree of pesticide residues
- L ow in sodium
this survey to be more sophisticated and
interactive than what has been done in - H igh in nutrition
- F ree of genetically modified/
the past."
Now that the survey has been engineered organisms
completed, the results may finally give
a clear snapshot of how Canadians feel
Answer yes, no, or I d on't know
about food safety and biotechnology.
Dr. P ete Desai has been a member of
Veeman is certain that many industry • W hich would you purchase?
players are anxious to discover just the AARI Board of Directors since
If neither, choose "I would
what perceptions are out there. "I think 1999, and currently serves as the Vice
that the results will be relevant on all not purchase today" Chair of the Board. He has gained the
levels - g overnment and policy makers, - N ational brand, 100% experience necessary to fill these roles
producers, industry leaders, and the whole-wheat bread for with great competence through his farm-
general public." $0.99. Contains whole- ing background and his scientific and
What does the future hold for Veeman's wheat flour, water, yeast, marketing career at Dow AgroSciences
research? "We will be gleaning and vegetable oil, sugar, and salt. Canada Inc. His involvement in agricul-
analyzing the information from the Risk - N ational brand, white ture spans over 30 years.
Perceptions study this year and into bread for $0.99. Contains Desai has a v ision for AARI - a l eader-
2004. This study only dealt with the wheat flour, water, yeast, ship role in building the best team culture
plant GMO issue. With colleagues in vegetable oil, sugar, salt, among the research community in North
this Department, we would like to study genetically engineered/ America. Sharing knowledge can allow
the acceptance of animal-based GMOs, modified ingredients. researchers to become leaders in their
which appear to be less acceptable to fields, and a t eam approach is critical to
many consumers: the issues that under- • H ow much of a h ealth risk do this sharing, especially at a t ime when the
lie risk p erceptions for food deserve you think these pose to you knowledge base is g rowing exponentially.
more research." If A ARI were to act as a c atalyst to bring
There is still much work to be done personally? Rank as "almost diverse stakeholders together with an eye
no risk" to "high risk"
to create awareness and deliver accu-
toward defining Alberta's advantages
rate information about biotechnology - U se of genetically in the industry, he holds that it w ould
to the general public. Investigating the engineered/modified prod- be possible for the province to capture
public acceptance of more biotech- ucts in f ood production a strong share of the global market.
nology topics or practices, to gain a - B SE (mad cow disease) Cooperation will also provide a rare
better understanding of how attitudes - P esticide residues in food
opportunity to open a new bio-economic
are formed and may change, will aid - F at and cholesterol content sector, one that will help stabilize the pro-
in keeping the agriculture industry - U se of hormones in food vincial economy in rural and urban areas.
moving forward. Veeman and her asso-
ciates understand that current social - B parcotderuicatli ocno ntamination Desai strongly believes that the "Do
It" attitude of Albertans, combined with
pressures from the European Union, of food
what he defines as a " renewable popula-
and the world, make it imperative for - U se of food additives
tion", puts the province in the position
Canadians to stay ahead of the curve - U se of antibiotics in food to become a model for agriculture inno-
concerning biotechnology acceptance vation in N orth America. He is commit-
production
and tolerance. She certainly has her ted to f ostering a d ynamite research and
work cut out for her.
development culture of teamwork.
3
For a B etter Alberta
Very ambitious, aggressive growth" is determine priority areas of research, and
AARI's goal for Alberta's entire agricul- then use due diligence in their prepara-
tural industry and its p artners, and AARI is tion, doing background investigation
leading the way with a s trategic business before they embark on a p roject. He calls
plan for the province that will get Alberta to it " competitive intelligence" - making
the pinnacle of innovation, research, develop- sure that conducting a research project
ment, and commercialization in the broader
is necessary because it hasn't been done
area of life sciences. "20-10 by 2010" is h ow before or isn't otherwise available. "Can
Alan Hall, Director of AARI, describes the plan - we access other research instead of doing
$20 billion in value-added business and $10 it ourselves?" is the question Hail says
billion in p rimary production for the prov- researchers should first be asking. group
If t he research needs to be done, then
ince of A lberta by the year 2010. "That's our will grow as
target, the direction we're heading," he says. making sure it's done well is the next step. R&D grows in
To achieve this ambitious goal, Alberta's "After the research proposal is p ulled Alberta. "In the
life sciences industry needs a strong foun- together, are we confident the team can do future, there will
dation of s upport. Thus AARI is leading and the research well? Are the resources avail- be expansion, with
more funds added,
facilitating the development of a strategic able?" he a sks.
Framework and Business Plan for the entire and a second funding
agricultural research and technology devel- Building Partnerships round-table for non-
opment system in Alberta, in cooperation Hall believes that Alberta's agricultural R&D research projects, which will
with numerous partners with an interest industry already does a g ood job of ensur- include market research, education, and
in the life sciences industry. This business ing research is done well. Part of that success pre-commercialization activities.
plan brings together investment, direction, relates to the existing Funding Consortium The Consortium works as a g roup to
goals, infrastructure, and human resources that reviews, approves, and funds research review research proposals, and then decides
under a single, focused plan, so that all of projects. AARI played a critical role in the which organization will fund the project.
the agricultural R&D industry in Alberta will creation of the Funding Consortium, and the One application reaches six potential funders.
work together to push Alberta agriculture Consortium's function is a k ey mechanism This process even facilitates partnerships
further as a single, cohesive unit. in ensuring that strategic funding decisions among the funders, scaling up the size of the
and investments are made.
research and leading to larger projects. "This
Building Focus The Consortium currently consists of six is c reating a c ritical mass of funding which is
There are two areas within the R&D system public research funding agencies includ- attracting further investment in the prov-
that are key to building a f ocused team ing Alberta Crop Industry Development ince," Hall says. The Consortium will play a
of collaborators and projects. "Number Fund (ACIDF), Alberta Livestock Industry key role in developing leading edge research
Development Fund (ALIDF), Diversified
one," says Hall, "are we doing the right proposals, and ensuring priority areas con-
research? Number two, are we doing it in Livestock Fund of Alberta (DLFOA), tinue to r eceive necessary funding.
Agriculture and Food Council (ACFC), Partnerships among various industry
the right way?"
Hall says that researchers need to first AVAC Ltd., and AARI. However, Hall says groups are also part of the strategy for the
R&D system. "This is p art of an overall Life
The Changing Alberta Agricultural Industry
Sciences Strategy in Alberta," Hall says.
1 F rom 2000 To 2010 1 "Researchers will come from agriculture
Traditional New Products to work with the energy industry, and the
(Commodity Focus) (High Tech/High Value) same on the health side, whether research-
Food ing nutrition, or nutraceuticals, or the
Unique Food & N on-Food
potential in pharmaceuticals. Establishing
Emerging Areas of Strategic Globally Recognized Research the R&D system is a k ey brick in building
Research Excellence
partnerships with other sectors."
Adopting Technology Commercializing Technology
Investing Back
Sustaining Resources Enhancing Resources New investments into the R&D system itself
Production Driven Consumer and Knowledge Driven are key to the strategy and to achieving the
goals set out for the province. Of primary
Economies of Scale Value-Added and Diversification
importance is building the human resources
Sectoral Strategic Alliances with Health, Energy, Information and infrastructure to support new research.
AARI will lead work with the research
(Agriculture and Food) Technology, Forestry, and Environment Sectors
sector to work with and attract the research
Rural Maintenance Rural Enhancement
projects and collaborators, both locally and
4
Navigating the Lagoon
abroad, to help Alberta reach its g oal
to excel in R&D on an international
level. With the R&D structure in p lace,
investment in p riority research projects
that are forward-looking and innova- Manure management is burgeoning, literally. As a result, there has been a
tive will commence. need to get a h andle on where research was required and Mnd ways to fund
There are a number of priority it effectively. A g roup effort made five well-defined projects possible.
research areas that AARI and its p art-
ners have identified in Alberta's R&D
system. These areas include:
• V alue-Added Health and Food
Products: including health and
nutritional properties of foods;
food ingredient and fermentation
products from crops; agri-based
health, therapeutic, and wellness
products; value-enhanced fresh and
processed meats; and food safety.
• B io-Products: including develop-
ment of n ew bio-materials, such as
bio-polymers, plant-derived fibres,
and bio-composites.
• S ustainable Production: three main
areas, including management,
monitoring, and amelioration of
natural resources such as water, soil
and air; crop opportunities, such
as value-added, diverse crops and What do you do when you have 37 In each area, teams were asked to
crop products; and livestock oppor- applications for funding in a single identify knowledge gaps and prioritize
tunities, such as animal welfare research area, demanding more resources them. Out of this effort came a g reater
and care, plus animal genetics and than are available? Well, you get scientists understanding of how the systems were
proteomics (study of proteins). and industry together to reduce it to a related. In the area of agronomics and
• E conomics and Marketing: including reasonable number of projects. management, it was noted that proper
market studies, as well as policy and In 2001, the funding round table was
understanding would lead to "the
regulation for new products. faced with a whopping 37 applications just optimum efficiency of nutrients, value-
in the area of manure management. The added opportunities, and increased
Alberta Benefits
three funders - t he Alberta Agricultural public trust." In addition to equipping
Research Institute (AARI), the Alberta farmers with tools like Best Management
Bringing Alberta's R&D collaborators
and research projects together under Livestock Industry Development Fund Practices, there was a b road-based
an approved, system-wide plan, and (ALIDF), and the Alberta Crop Industry understanding among scientists and
having each of the players align their Development Fund (ACIDF) - w orked funders alike that public education
individual business plans under the cooperatively to bring together stakeholders and social policy must be addressed to
broader plan, will make the system from the research community, the livestock ensure the future success of the livestock
function together, achieving higher sector, and other government funders to industry in Alberta.
goals and greater understanding than make sense of it a ll. From this positive collaboration came
the projects could individually. The syn- "The feeling from the funding con- a reduced number of proposals, five
ergy created by bringing these projects sortium was that there were too many of which were funded in 2001 . Plus, a
together will benefit far more than framework is in place to guide future
disconnected proposals," recalls Freda
those directly involved in the agricul- Molenkamp of AARI. "To see 37 proposals funding efforts in this critical area.
tural R&D industry; it w ill reach farmers come in and not to see a common thread Molenkamp also notes that everyone
and consumers in Alberta and abroad.
learned from the process, includ-
or game plan was concerning." In the
Better use of funding, research capabil- interests of creating a p lan from start to ing the funders who gained a g reater
ities, and tools to develop new products finish, a moderated workshop took place understanding of how scientists can
and technology will benefit everyone in before the final funding call. collaborate and the importance of get-
Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Together, the broader group was able ting the strategic work done earlier in
As AARI continues to meet its g oals, the to make great progress in clarifying the the process. Now with 20 proposals
Institute will continue to evolve, ensuring key priorities: this year on the topic of Integrated Pest
AARI contributes to continuing improve- •• oagdroounro mics and manure management Management, a similar system is being
ment of t he world-class R&D system it used to help coordinate efforts in this
has helped to build in Alberta. • energy and treatment area, too.
> Potato Potential
Did you know that there
are now more potato acres
grown in Western Canada than
in Eastern Canada? Estimates
place potato production
in Alberta alone at around
400,000 metric tonnes per year,
and much of that is thanks to
research that allows both the
The potato research that Dr. Larry production and processing
Kawchuk and others in Alberta are doing sectors to flourish.
will help potato plants fend off diseases
like this without the help of fungicides.
AARI has supported a multitude of move it into individual varieties that need
Incorporating disease resistance into cur- it," he says.
research projects on potato produc- rent and new varieties is of primary impor-
tion for more than 20 years. The devel- tance to e nsure the best quality, while All of this research has significant
opments that have come out of early reducing the need for pest control. benefits to farmers, consumers, and the
research have pushed potato production Some of the current work that AARI is public in general, not the least of which
in Alberta to an average of 400,000 metric supporting in potato research involves is fewer chemicals applied to potato
using the latest techniques in plant analy- fields. "We cut down on the chemicals
sis to i dentify disease resistance in pota-
required by making the crop itself resistant."
A T riple Look toes, and then creating disease resistant He adds that the trend toward reducing
varieties. Dr. Larry Kawchuk is a R esearch chemical inputs in agriculture makes
Dr. Larry Kawchuk takes his Scientist in Pathology with Agriculture and resistant potato varieties even more
research into potatoes in three parts: Agri-Food Canada's Lethbridge Research important. "We must act now, because
Centre. He has been involved in a number future reductions in chemical applications
1) He identifies the specific of projects relating to potato diseases, will be difficult if t here are no alternatives
T
genes that resist certain including several that incorporate the use
diseases. of Jmolecular markers for identifying and Kawchuk says there are numerous
2) He works with plant managi ng diseases through the genes. other benefits to his research as well,
breeders to create varie- Kawchuk says there are three parts to siunc h p l aasc e c.o"s t savings by not having to
ties that have resistance. the research he conducts. First, he studies
apply chemical in the first place. "It's a
3) He develops diagnostics potato diseases such as potato moptop saving to the grower, that is hopefully
detect disease pathogens. virus and late blight, and develops diag- passed down the chain to the consuming
nostics to d etect the presence of patho- public," he says.
gens. Kawchuk says this portion of his Gaining a better price and better
research allows identification of diseases access for potato products in export
tonnes per year, or 19 per cent of the to certify that potatoes are disease-free. markets is another benefit that could
potatoes produced in Canada. The second portion of his research put Alberta ahead in the potato market.
This growth has attracted more busi- involves developing potato crops for dis- "If we can guarantee a competitive,
ness to A lberta, including two new potato ease resistance. For this, Kawchuk works disease-free product, there is a sales
processing plants in Southern Alberta, with other researchers in the field of plant advantage," he says.
McCain and Lamb Weston, which opened breeding, such as Dr. Dermot Lynch with As Kawchuk and his colleagues in
in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Acreage the Lethbridge Research Centre, to create Alberta strive to create better potato varie-
increased to even greater numbers with potato varieties with resistance to diseases ties, they are also expanding the uses for
this increase in processing capacity. incorporated right into the plant. Kawchuk potatoes. Kawchuk says one of his current
While the future for Alberta's potatoes says that incorporating verticillium wilt projects is working with the Department
looks bright, research must continue and late blight resistance into potatoes is of Defence to create potato varieties that
to improve potato quality and yield to going on right now. grow vaccines to safely and inexpensively
remain leaders in the industry. New Finally, Kawchuk says he uses molecular protect our Canadian troops.
requirements for end uses of potatoes, markers to "pull out" resistance genes in This innovative research ensures that
including processing requirements and potatoes, and he studies these genes to
Alberta's potato industry will continue
possibly nutraceutical and pharmaceuti- better understand how the plant defends to expand, not just in production and
cal applications, mean new varieties must itself against pathogens. "We can then processing capability, but in new end
continually be developed and researched. take full advantage of that resistance and uses too.
6
> M aking the Grade
Dr. john Basarab has given producers new
individual animal feed intake
understanding of the best feeding practices that
can be automatically measured
yield top-grade beef carcasses. He's now adding to
and net feed intake determined.
that by examining other factors, such as breeding
decisions and genetic feed efficiency to develop Net feed intake (NFI) is d efined
as the difference between an
a l ong-term understanding of herd development
that will pay off with the Alberta beef industry animal's actual feed intake and its
getting the greatest premiums possible. expected feed requirements for
maintenance and growth. Thus,
it is the variation in feed intake
that remains after the require-
How much do cow/calf ments for m aintenance and
management, breeding growth have been removed.
practices, and sires play a role NFI can be used to select
in the development of carcass cattle that are more feed
quality? Dr. John Basarab, a efficient, without affecting
Research Scientist with Alberta body size and growth rate,
Agriculture, Food and Rural or adversely affecting carcass
Development and member characteristics, composition of
of the Western Forage Beef live weight gain or distribution
Group, determined over a of fat deposits. Benefits from
one-year study that there was selecting for NFI are improved
as much as a $ 250 per animal competitiveness, increased
difference in carcass value due value of genetic stock through
to these variables.
the generation of genetic merit
Basarab has over 25 years
values and potential reduc-
experience in beef cattle production and tenderness of meat. The more marbling tions in m ethane emissions and manure
management. He is very enthusiastic about that is found in the meat, the higher the production by efficient cattle.
improving not only the profitability of grade of the carcass. The work in understanding carcass
beef production, but also the quality and Different sires also played a role in carcass quality traits and the impact of net feed
consistency of the beef product. The carcass value. Over a h undred sires were tested intake that Basarab is undertaking will likely
trace-back research was a one-year project, through the process from various ranches provide the framework for future Expected
funded in p artbyAARI that tracked 1,118 across Alberta and some sires didn't pro- Progeny Differences (EPD) to be developed.
calves from seven Alberta ranches from birth duce any marbling while other sires were Building on the initial findings, it w ill allow
through to slaughter. shown to provide various levels of marbling. producers to make better decisions.
According to Basarab, if y ou follow calves More feedlots want to pay on a p ricing This research has proven both practical
from weaning until slaughter you can grid, rewarding the presence of characteris- due to its immediate results to producers
identify pre-finishing management systems tics that both the packer and the consumer and it h as long-term implications as better
that affect carcass quality. For example, management tools are developed to forecast
want, and discounting what they don't want.
yearling heifer calves placed on pasture for Therefore, if p roducers select sires that
meat quality before it's even off the hoof.
105 days, on extended grazing for another provide the desired level of marbling, and
45 days, and then on a f inishing diet for then follow up this breeding program
120 days consistently resulted in carcasses with a management system that back-
that graded 75-80 per cent AAA, the high- grounds calves to a l ater stage of develop- Yearling heifer calves placed on
est grade possible. In contrast, yearling ment, they can deliver to the meat packer
pasture for 105 days, on extended
heifer calves placed on pasture for 105 days a g reater percentage of AAA carcasses.
grazing for another 45 days, and
and then on a f inishing diet for 120 days With a h igher offering of AAA carcasses,
then on a f inishing diet for 120
resulted in carcasses that graded 35-40 per a p remium could be offered to both the
days, consistently resulted in
cent AAA. Basarab explained that, "Older feedlot and the producer, thus increasing carcasses that graded 75-80 per
calves were at the body weight/age break- overall profitability of the beef industry. cent AAA.
point where intramuscular fat deposition In addition to carcass trace-back, Basarab
Yearling heifer calves placed
accelerates, thus causing a d ifference in the has been measuring net feed intake of calves
on pasture for 105 days and then
level of marbling and therefore the higher during the post-weaning period. The overall on a f inishing diet for 120 days
percentage of AAA grade beef produced." objective is to have cattle use less feed to i rreesstu lted in carcasses that graded
Marbling is defined as the fat striations in produce an acceptable beef product. By
35-40 per cent AAA.
the meat. This is considered an extremely using new technology called the GrowSafe
desirable trait as it enhances the taste and Systems developed in Airdrie, Alberta,
7

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:
L
National Library of Canada
Bibliotheque nationale du Canada
Alan Hall Leads the Team llilll
3 3 286 52839489 9
well-oiled machine that
Aian Hall brings expertise and experi-
ence to h is new role as Director of AARI. moves Alberta further
into the forefront.
He'll use both to further the collective
"All stakeholders, from
priorities of AARI and its partners.
industry, to funders, to
researchers, to govern-
ment, must actively
support this process,
A man familiar to AARI, Alan Hall has and deliver in a h ighly
served as both a p artner to the
collaborative fashion,"
Institute in his previous role at Alberta
Agriculture, Food and Rural Development hroel e c oins t tion u perso.v i d"eA A RlIe'asd er-
(AAFRD), and as a member of the AARI ship and coordination,
Board. As the Institute's new Director, Hall along with our partners,
brings his long-term interests in research in setting and achieving
and collaboration. priorities. Of course, the
Hall was born to Alberta agriculture. most important priority
Growing up on a f arm in the Barrhead of ail is to grow profit-
area, he developed an appreciation for able and sustainable
the importance of agriculture, and after agriculture, food, and
a b rief stint in the oil patch, he returned bio-products industries
to his roots. Upon graduation from the in Alberta as a means for
University of Alberta in 1972 with a
the province to remain
degree in Agricultural Economics and a competitive in the global
Crop Science major, he began his work market, expand our
with the Alberta government as a D istrict economy, and put jobs
Agriculturist, serving at Morinville and
and profits back into
Westlock. In 1983, he moved to AAFRD rural communities and
at Red Deer where he served as Regional Alan Hall - D irector of AARI agriculturally-based busi-
Director for 15 years. Becoming Director
of the Plant Industry Division in 1999, he His board work includes the national "For Alberta to be succnesesess sandf fualr m isn. " t his
provided overall leadership to AAFRD crop boards of the Canadian Seed Growers' endeavor," Hall adds, "We will have
research, technology transfer, and indus- Association and Pulse Canada Research. to seize new market opportunities in
try development efforts. In Alberta, he has served on the boards of partnership with the health, forestry,
Hall takes particular pride in his work the Alberta Crop Industry Development energy, environment, manufacturing,
to establish both a f orage association and Fund and the Central Alberta Business and information technology sectors of
applied research association in Alberta. Advisory Network (now the Central our economy. We will also need to pull
He fostered both groups by ensuring the Alberta Economic Partnership). He joined
on all the levers of change." Research
department assisted them with fund- the AARI Board in 2000, a l ogical move is important and a major contributor
ing and strategic input. Throughout the that allowed him to further the col- as an economic driver. However, this
1980s and 90s, he provided leadership to laborative efforts of important players in needs to be in sync and partnership with
Alberta's agricultural and public land serv- agricultural research. human resource development, business
ices in C entral Alberta and also to several Hall is p assionate about the difference development, market development, and
provincial initiatives. In the past year, as research can make to economic develop- investment attraction so that efforts to
Research Director for AAFRD, he has led ment and the prosperity of the agriculture progress are focused on those barriers
the development of Alberta's Agriculture sectors. "Research makes a real difference and opportunities that will make the
Research and Innovation Strategic most difference.
to farmers, processors, and exporters,"
Framework, an undertaking fostered by says Hall. In his new role, he will continue Hall and his wife Sue have two grown
AARI and partnered with AAFRD. to champion the development and imple- children and a t omcat. He is an avid curler
Hall has been involved with several mentation oft he Provincial Research and
and a wannabe avid golfer - a ll in his
community and industry organizations. Innovation Strategy designed to create a spare time, of course.
Alberta Agricultural Research Institute The Link is a q uarterly newsletter published by the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute
Axna
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