Portage College and Lakeland College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand collaboration in applied agricultural research, strengthen regional capacity and create new opportunities for students and industry.
The Agreement celebrates a shared commitment to pursue research projects of mutual interest within the agricultural sector, leveraging each institution’s unique assets and expertise to benefit producers across the region and Western Canadian agriculture more broadly.
Through the MOU, Portage and Lakeland will explore opportunities to collaborate on crop production research, access complementary facilities – including Portage College’s greenhouses and Lakeland’s field research sites – and jointly pursue project funding. By combining resources and knowledge, the partnership can improve practical, industry-driven solutions to boost productivity, efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents an exciting step forward in strengthening applied agricultural research capacity in our region,” says Dr. Francois Paradis, dean of Applied Research at Lakeland College. “By bringing together Portage College’s expertise in genetics and genomics with Lakeland’s strengths in agronomy and agricultural technology, we can accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes for producers. Just as importantly, this collaboration opens the door for enhanced, hands-on learning opportunities for all of our students in applied research environments.”
This partnership will further enhance opportunities for students at both institutions to engage in applied research, build skills that support career readiness, and contribute to innovation in the sector.
“This agreement reflects Portage College’s commitment to building strong, collaborative applied research partnerships that directly serve our region,” says Cristina Holguin, the director of Applied Research at Portage College. “Partnering with Lakeland College and utilizing our shared expertise and facilities, we are providing valuable learning opportunities for our students as we address challenges facing producers across our region and beyond.”
About Portage College
Portage College has been serving the region since 1968 and is proud to be the first choice for learners in northeast Alberta. Board governed and operating publicly under the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act, Portage College connects people with knowledge, skills and opportunities, empowering them to transform themselves and make a difference. Collaboration, inclusion, and a commitment to success and accountability are at the core of the College’s values. The College boasts seven strategically located campuses throughout the region, offering a wide range of diploma and certificate courses, as well as non-credit and micro-credential offerings.
The Portage College Applied Research department continues to offer expert guidance and genuine pathways for local, regional and global solutions. The Portage College Applied Research department offers expert-level academic and industry-focused research and a talent pipeline utilizing studentships and practicums to place motivated learners onto projects and into the workforce.
About Lakeland College
Established in 1913, Lakeland College is a place of possibility that serves more than 6,000 students every year at its campuses in Vermilion, Alta., and Lloydminster, Alta./Sask., in eastern Alberta, and through online and off-site programs and courses. Lakeland is dedicated to applied research that advances real-world agricultural productivity and sustainability. Its research team focuses on key commercial crops and livestock species, working to develop practical solutions that address challenges facing the agricultural industry. Students play an integral role in this work, assisting research scientists and technicians while also designing and implementing their own research trials, gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the process. Lakeland has an extensive land base and multiple facilities at the Vermilion campus that support student learning and applied research. This includes a 3,700-plus acre farm featuring beef, bison, dairy and equine herds, the Agriculture Technology Centre, Crop Research and Bioenergy Building, Dairy Learning Centre, G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility, and land dedicated to crop trials. In addition, our scientists conduct research at various other sites across Alberta and Western Canada including on-farm projects in collaboration with producers.
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Media Inquiries
Jaime Davies
Manager, Corporate Communications, Portage College
780-623-6671
jaime.davies@portagecollege.ca
Katie Ryan
Manager, Marketing & Communications, Lakeland College
780-581-4049
katie.ryan@lakelandcollege.ca