How much funding can be received?

This grant, supported by RDAR and Genome Alberta, aims to address critical issues such as Chronic Wasting Disease, African Swine Fever, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in livestock through a One Health approach. Eligible activities include genomics-based monitoring, genetic resistance research, vaccine development, pathogen detection, and environmental surveillance, all designed to benefit Alberta's agriculture producers.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specifically targeting organizations that are associated with Alberta's agricultural industry. Eligibility is centred on ensuring that benefits will return to Alberta producers.

Organizations must have at least one team member in Alberta.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$600,000

Developing genomic-based monitoring for Chronic Wasting Disease in elk

$600,000

Investigating interspecies transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and elk

$600,000

Population genetics research on feral pigs to manage African Swine Fever risk

$600,000

Developing molecular diagnostics for Antimicrobial Resistance in beef cattle

$600,000

Developing and evaluating a vaccine for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry

$590,000

Genomic surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance in dairy cattle

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's profile and their contribution to Alberta's agriculture industry.

Applicants must be directly or indirectly involved in the service and development of the Alberta livestock or crop industry.
Eligible applicants include marketing boards and commissions under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act.
Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and technical schools are eligible.
Government organizations and agencies can apply for this grant.
Incorporated not-for-profit agricultural associations representing Alberta's agriculture producers are eligible.
For-profit companies operating in Alberta and contributing to research benefiting Alberta's crop and livestock producers can apply.
At least one team member must be located in Alberta, and the project must benefit Alberta's producers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The grant is open to a range of applicants involved in the service and development of the Alberta livestock or crop industry, as long as they meet specific criteria. These applicants are expected to contribute to research benefiting Alberta's producers and operate within or under contract with qualifying organizations in good standing.

Marketing boards and commissions established under the Marketing of Agriculture Products Act.
Educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and technical schools.
Government organizations and agencies.
Incorporated not-for-profit agricultural associations representing Alberta's agriculture producers.
For-profit companies operating in Alberta and contributing to research benefitting Alberta's crop and livestock producers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant has specific restrictions on the activities that are not eligible for funding, particularly related to commercial activities. The aim is to ensure the research remains focused on public good and industry advancement rather than private gain.

Commercialization of new technologies beyond pilot studies.
Marketing activities.
Private research and development activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant opportunity supports projects that leverage genomic-enabled technology to address priority issues through a One Health approach. Eligible projects aim to have a significant impact on Alberta producers by addressing specific challenges in livestock health and disease prevention.

Projects on Chronic Wasting Disease, including genomics-based monitoring and surveillance, genetic resistance/resilience, vaccine development, and understanding interspecies transmission.
Initiatives addressing issues related to feral pigs and African Swine Fever, including population genetics, reproduction control, pathogen detection and monitoring.
Research targeting Antimicrobial Resistance through genomic surveillance, molecular diagnostics, genomics-informed antimicrobial treatments, and livestock resilience.
Studies focused on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, including virus identification and surveillance, cross-species transmission, vaccine development, and environmental management.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Personnel involved directly in research activities pertaining to the targeted issues.
Purchase of essential equipment and supplies necessary for research execution.
Genomic surveillance and molecular diagnostics tools.
Costs associated with project monitoring and evaluation.
Research involving genomic-enabled technologies addressing specified health priorities.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and priorities.

Alignment to priorities and benefits outlined in the grant priorities.
Projects demonstrate measurable, reportable, and verifiable impact on the target producer group.
The uniqueness of the project relative to other projects.
Achievability and appropriateness of project timelines.
Adoption / commercialization potential of the project's result.
Clarity and justification of budget items.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
- Ensure your organization is eligible according to the detailed criteria set out for applicants such as educational institutions, incorporated not-for-profits, and for-profit companies working with Alberta agricultural producers.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Statement of Intent (SOI)
- Submit a Statement of Intent starting June 12, 2024, to Genome Alberta.
- Ensure the SOI aligns with the priority research areas and meets the requirements for SOI submission.
Step 3: Invitation to Submit Full Proposal
- Wait for an invitation to submit a full proposal if your SOI is accepted, anticipated by August 9, 2024.
Step 4: Prepare Full Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive proposal, addressing alignment with research priorities, project uniqueness, achievable timelines, and deliverables.
- Include a detailed budget and research extension plans to ensure results reach Alberta producers.
Step 5: Submit Full Proposal
- Submit the full proposal by September 7, 2024, through the ARGO online system at rdar.smartsimple.ca.
Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Upon submission, receive confirmation and retain all submission details for your records, including proof of submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant aims to support research initiatives in Alberta targeting specific health issues related to livestock through a One Health approach. The funding is provided up to a maximum of $600,000 per project with specific eligibility criteria and reporting requirements.

Priority will be given to projects with a clear research extension component.
The use of RDAR's name and logo must comply with RDAR's Grant Communications Guide.
Each project must demonstrate measurable impact on the target producer group in Alberta.
Funding will be available to a variety of eligible applicants, including educational institutions, government organizations, and for-profit companies.
Projects must have an omics focus addressing Chronic Wasting Disease, African Swine Fever, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in livestock.
The project duration is capped at three years without extensions.
60% of the total project costs can be contributed by RDAR with a maximum contribution of $600,000 per project.
Detailed interim and final reports along with financial statements must be submitted online through ARGO.
The project should include an Albertan as an end-user, lead, co-lead, or key co-applicant.
Ineligible activities include commercialization beyond pilot studies, marketing activities, and private R&D actions.
The remaining 40% of the funding must come from other sources, either in cash or in-kind.

grant_single_labels|contact

tzhao@genomealberta.ca

Apply to this program

Launching the One Health Initiative for Alberta's Livestock Challenges

The One Health Targeted Call for proposals by RDAR and Genome Alberta is dedicated to addressing pivotal health issues like Chronic Wasting Disease, African Swine Fever, and Antimicrobial Resistance through a unified approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. This initiative provides up to $600,000 in funding per project, with the aim of fostering genomic-enabled technological solutions beneficial to Alberta's producers.

In-Depth Overview of the One Health Call and Its Strategic Goals

The One Health Targeted Call is a strategic funding opportunity designed to stimulate research and development within Alberta's livestock and agricultural sectors using innovative genomic technologies. By focusing on priority issues such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), African Swine Fever (ASF) associated with feral pigs, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the call emphasizes a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. This multi-faceted approach aims to not only address current health challenges but also to anticipate and prevent future ones.

There is a significant emphasis on collaborative projects that leverage Alberta's specific agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, non-profit agricultural associations, government bodies, and for-profit companies operating within Alberta, all of whom are encouraged to engage local producers and stakeholders in their research endeavors. By doing so, the program ensures that the solutions developed are grounded in the realities of Alberta's ecosystem and are likely to provide tangible benefits to local producers.

Projects funded under this initiative must have a strong omics focus and clearly demonstrate their potential impact on the target issues within the province. For instance, research into CWD might involve developing genetic monitoring systems or vaccines that prevent its spread among both wildlife and farmed deer populations. Similarly, studies focusing on ASF might explore genetic pathways in feral pigs to better understand and manage disease spread, whereas AMR projects might develop new genomic-informed antimicrobial treatments that bolster livestock resilience against common pathogens. The call for proposals recognizes the urgency and importance of tackling these issues from a genomics perspective, considering it essential in developing effective and sustainable solutions.

The program encourages project proposals that include clear plans for knowledge transfer and extension, ensuring that the findings and technologies developed through funded projects are accessible and actionable for Alberta's agricultural stakeholders. This aspect is pivotal, as it aligns with the grant’s ultimate goal of making a lasting positive impact on the province’s agricultural output and overall public health.

Moreover, the funding structure is designed to encourage partnerships and co-investments. RDAR’s maximum contribution of up to 60% of the total project costs, capped at $600,000, is intended to spur collaboration and resource-sharing. The remaining 40% of project funding can be obtained through other means, fostering a collaborative environment among various stakeholders. This partnership-driven approach not only maximizes the use of available resources but also encourages diverse participation and investment from different sectors.

Projects must be completed within three years, a timeline that necessitates strategic planning and efficient execution. Proponents need to carefully outline their project scopes to ensure alignment with the funding priorities while demonstrating ingenuity and resourcefulness in their methodologies and outcomes.

This call aligns itself with sustainable practices by promoting projects that not only solve immediate health challenges but also advance knowledge and capabilities that prepare Alberta for future agricultural challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge genomics, the One Health call stands at the forefront of integrating scientific innovation with practical applications in agriculture, ensuring that Alberta's livestock producers remain resilient and competitive on a global scale.

In conclusion, the One Health Targeted Call is not just about funding; it is about building a collaborative, science-driven ecosystem that can address some of the most pressing issues faced by the agriculture and livestock industries today. Through strategic investments in genomics and collaborative research, the initiative aims to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Alberta's agricultural community.