Rural Development Institute, Annual Report 2009: Providing Academic Research and Leadership on Issues Affecting Rural Communities in Western Canada

“Over the past year, RDI saw the completion of two important projects geared towards the agricultural sector in Manitoba, including the Economic Impact of Leafy Spurge in Manitoba and Pathway Prevention of Invasive Species: Increasing Education and Awareness. Coordinated respectively by RDI Research Affiliate, Karen Rempel and Wanda McFadyen, researcher both studies included surveys and broad consultations with agricultural producers, landowners, farm suppliers and local and municipal representatives who have an interest in this noxious plant. The many
partnerships developed among the academic researchers, producers and industry and government
representatives involved in these projects is representative of the nature of the work conducted at RDI” –William (Bill) Ashton, Director, Rural Development Institute