GRO is a comprehensive agricultural research organization headquartered out of Westlock, Alberta with a dedicated pasture quarter and many off site annual mono and polyculture trials, including perennial wheat, quinoa, humate and other tests to help local producers deteremine the most economic, sustainable, regenerative means of production that would be applicable for their operation.

Related SDG(s): Zero hunger, Good health and well-being, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Life on land

Project Options: (There are multiple options here, they do not all need to be completed as part of a single project) Sustainable Farm and Ranch Development:

As a part of the larger Alternative Management of Marginal Land Project at GRO, students could take a step back and look at current agricultural production for opportunities to recommend enhancements in use of marginal land, including:

• Identifying practical current and innovative methods of carbon capture and storage on annually cropped land.
• Improving the understanding and use of forage production with the most marginal of land in north central Alberta
• Reviewing opportunities and methods of reducing external crop inputs in annual cropping
• Studying and reporting on the advantages and disadvantages of riparian area establishment in cropped marginal land
• Creating short and long term strategies for alternative management of alternative cropping of marginal land.
• Recommending strategies to support the mental health and well being of producers as they transition to more regenerative practices.

Our local producers, professionals and consultants in the area would be available for students to discuss, virtually and potentially in person, their opinions, practical experience and research into these enhancements.