NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – The Canadian government today announced C$714,700 (US$586,000) in funding to Genome British Columbia for a project demonstrating the use of genomics for tackling challenges in the natural resource sectors.
Genome BC plans to use to the funding to develop genomic tools that natural resource companies can use to address their needs, and provide guidance to the firms in implementing those technologies. Examples of how genomic technology can be used in natural resource sectors include the certification of agricultural, forest, or aquaculture products, as well as the development of crops, trees, and aquaculture strains that are better suited to environmental conditions, Western Economic Diversification Canada, which is providing the funding, said in a statement.
"The funding will be directed towards significantly increasing the user-pull of relevant genomics technologies by existing companies and organizations, and supporting the development of new companies to commercialize genomics technologies," Genome BC said in a separate statement. It added that "the funding will spur development of new genomics-based products, processes and services, thereby improving industrial competitiveness and productivity."