The Saskatoon-based Western Grains Research Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The agency is the largest producer-funded group of field crop research in Canada.

Originally formed by 12 farm groups in 1981, the foundation has remained true to its goal of expanding crop research.

Executive director Garth Patterson says as part of the 40th anniversary, the Foundation will be reaching out to stakeholders this year for views on the most pressing issues affecting farmers and the research needed.

Since 1981, the Western Grains Research Foundation has invested more than 200 million dollars in more than 550 crop research projects.

More than 130 farmers from across Western Canada have worked on the board of directors over the past 40 years.

Today, the board is composed of 18 farmers from the four western provinces.
—-