A new high tech agri-food research centre is being set-up at the Global Institute for Food Security in Saskatoon.

The Institute’s executive director, Steve Webb, says the Engineering Biology Agri-food Innovation Centre will use $3.2-million in funds for cutting-edge research to advance agriculture.

The money comes from the Canada Centre for Innovation.

One of the key items for research is the development of new ingredients for pulse crop based meat alternatives.

Other research will look look at development of new pesticides, plant varieties and seed treatments.

Webb says the research represents the fourth industrial revolution and is a key element of national economic growth.

Webb says the new centre will cost $9.2-million and is the first of its kind in Canada.