Lethbridge Polytechnic has signed a 20-year land lease renewal agreement with the Government of Alberta for its 395-acre research farm east of Lethbridge. The agreement, signed in July, reinforces a long-term relationship between the polytechnic and the provincial government as they work to expand applied agricultural research operations in response to industry needs.
“The Lethbridge Polytechnic Research Farm is central to our agriculture research operations, supporting innovative projects while providing world-class opportunities for researchers and students alike,” says Dr. Kenny Corscadden, vice-president – academic and research. “Thanks to our partnership with the provincial government, we look forward to enhancing our capacity for student-focused, industry-connected agricultural research.”
“Alberta’s government is proud to support applied agricultural research that delivers real-world solutions for producers while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students," says Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson. "Renewing this land lease with Lethbridge Polytechnic provides long-term stability for innovative research, strengthens partnerships with industry and helps ensure Alberta remains a leader in agricultural productivity, sustainability and irrigation research.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic has been conducting applied research in agriculture for over 35 years, most recently within the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE). In December, a report released by Research Infosource Inc., a Canadian source of research intelligence, ranked the polytechnic ninth among the top 50 research colleges (and polytechnics) in the country, up from 10th in 2024 and 11th in 2023.
CARIE has managed operations on the farm since 2020 thanks to the initial lease agreement with the Government of Alberta. Since then, the polytechnic, through the Mueller Irrigation Research Group, has expanded capacity and research capabilities for precision irrigation projects.
In August, the polytechnic celebrated a transformative $2.8 million gift from the estate of Joe and Laverna Hranac to support operations at the research farm. These operations also provide hands-on student learning opportunities, whether through course-based curriculum or research assistant positions, allowing students to work directly with researchers on real-world challenges facing producers.
The lease agreement also includes a provision allowing for the construction of the multi-use Cor Van Raay Link pathway, connecting Lethbridge to Coaldale.
To learn more about applied research activities and projects at Lethbridge Polytechnic, visit: lethpolytech.ca/CARIE.