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Loyalist College, Olds College Sign Agriculture Applied Research and Programming MOU

June 15, 2021

June 15, 2021, OLDS, AB - Unifying key agriculture applied research, education and training across the country, Loyalist College and Olds College have signed a “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) to work together to advance Canadian agriculture. 

Together Loyalist College and Olds College will establish new and enhanced work integrated learning opportunities for students between the two institutions, and explore potential areas of collaboration in smart agriculture, vertical farming and aspects of urban planning around farming and food sustainability.  

“We are so excited to be working with one of Canada’s best Colleges in industry focused Applied Research. Loyalist College and Olds College are both listed on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges. In fact Loyalist is number one in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research and Olds College is #9 in the nation,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “Our institutions have extensive networks within Alberta and Ontario and this agreement will allow us to leverage and add value to our networks for a pan-Canadian impact.” 

“Our partnership with Olds College, a leading Canadian agricultural college, aligns perfectly with Loyalist College’s Bio Economy & Agritech cluster of programs and applied research,” comments Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Loyalist College. “Loyalist is at the forefront of emerging demand for natural products and medical cannabis, Olds is leading the nation in smart agriculture, and the synergies we create across the agricultural sector, eco-tourism and related industries will benefit regional employers and contribute directly to the economy. By sharing expertise, knowledge and research data, we’ll collectively generate more opportunities for graduates to join and advance the sector through the development of safe, sustainable new products, methods, and services.” 

The MOU initially covers a two-year period and will be governed by a joint committee of representatives from both institutions.

 

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About Olds College: Olds College is known for high-tech, hands-on agriculture education and innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land. The College offers programming in Agriculture, Horticulture, Land and Environment Management, Animal Science, Food Production, Business, Trades and Apprenticeships. Olds College Centre of Innovation and Smart Farm are accelerating the development and adoption of technologies and practices that result in improved productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food industry through industry-driven applied research. Olds College has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges by Research Infosourse. As Canada’s smart agriculture college, Olds College is working to achieve its social purpose of transforming agriculture for a better world.

About Loyalist College: Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2018-19 graduates, 88.8 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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