REGINA, Sask. — Sept. 19 to 26 is Global Biotech Week in Saskatchewan. This week celebrates biotechnology and highlights the many ways scientific innovations benefit Saskatchewan residents and contribute to the province's economic growth, explains Sask. Agriculture.
With approximately one-third of Canada's agricultural biotechnology sector located in the province, Saskatchewan is a hub for biotech innovation, the ministry says. According to Sask Agriculture, researchers, institutions and organizations in Saskatchewan are world leaders in crop breeding, genetics and genomics.
"Global Biotech Week is an opportunity to celebrate Saskatchewan-made innovations that contribute to higher-yielding crops, improved livestock productivity and technologies that help Saskatchewan remain a global leader in agriculture and food production," Agriculture Minister David Marit said.
"These innovations create new opportunities that make our agriculture sector stronger, more resilient and profitable."
Ag-West Bio co-ordinates activities across the province to mark the week. Events are planned for primary, secondary and post-secondary students, as well as the public, highlighting Saskatchewan's research infrastructure and biotech businesses.
"Global Biotech Week celebrates the innovation and people that have made Saskatchewan a leader in biotechnology," Ag-West Bio CEO Darcy Pawlik said.
"As a collaborator in Saskatchewan's bioeconomy, Ag-West Bio is proud to connect citizens with the science and innovations that improve our food systems, support sustainability and drive economic growth. By increasing public awareness and understanding, we can help build confidence in technologies that are shaping our future."
With in-person events in Saskatoon and Regina, as well as several online webinars, Global Biotech Week is accessible to people across the province. Highlights include the Amazing Biotech Race, in which high school and Saskatchewan Polytechnic students are invited to explore the Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology Park in Saskatoon, and a panel discussion about biotechnology careers hosted by the Saskatchewan Science Centre and the University of Regina.
Members of the public are encouraged to check out the activities planned this week that showcase the province's bioeconomy. A full list of this year's events is available at globalbiotechweeksask.ca.
