The Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan is moving into a second growth phase.

Founded in 2012 in a public-private partnership between Nutrien, the Saskatchewan Government and the University, the Institute is designed to build on this province’s strength in agriculture.

Current initiatives underway as part of the new phase of operations include research and development to boost photosynthesis in crops, the process by which plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into energy and food.

CEO Steven Webb says agriculture is part of the solution for managing greenhouse gases.

Through photosynthesis, plants are able to absorb and sequester carbon to create food and energy, one of nature’s best ways to reduce greenhouse gases.

Efforts to improve photosynthesis will improve crop yields and reduce carbon emissions, good for the economy and environment.

To accomodate plans for the next phase, the Global Institute for Food Security has moved to an expansive facility in Innovation Place.

The new location contains twice its lab space and three times its plant growth facilities, including greenhouses and plant growth chambers.

Webb says the Institute has transformed its work and set up new technology platforms to support research goals.

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