Launched 1 April 2008, the Competition in Applied Genomics Research in Bioproducts and Crops (ABC) encompasses two strategic research themes that were developed as part of Genome Canada's Position Paper process:
1. Bioproducts - Securing Canada's Future Bio-Based Economy through Genomics
The production of bioproducts provides an opportunity for Canada to meet environmental targets and boost its economy. In addition, research in this area may help address the growing gap between the supply and demand of petroleum and concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions. It may employ high-throughput genomic, metabolomic, proteomic, and allied approaches to understand and manipulate the underlying biological processes exploited in the production of economically viable and environmentally sustainable bioproducts.
2. Crop Genomics for a Healthy Canada
The health of Canadians and their economy have significantly improved because of investments in plant research. Domestic innovations in plant breeding and genetic discovery have improved human and animal health and created wealth both at home and abroad. High-throughput approaches (see theme 1, above) will help scientists unravel systems that govern plant growth and performance. Such work will harness Canadian industrial and scientific capacity, keeping this country a leader in this area and creating new opportunities for Canadians.
On 20 April 2009, Genome Canada announced an investment of $52.7 million in 12 projects across Canada. Two projects, with budgets totalling $17.3 million (including $7.8 million in funding from Genome Canada), were funded in Ontario through OGI; these projects are anticipated to begin in September 2009.
Ontario projects funded through Applied Genomics Research in Bioproducts and Crops:
Genomics for Crop Improvement: Agricultural Pest Management
Bioproducts and Enzymes from Environmental Metagenomes (BEEM)
