Renaissance BioScience Corp. has secured nearly $830,000 in funding from the Government of Canada through the AgriScience Program to accelerate development of an innovative RNA interference biocontrol technology targeting crucifer and striped flea beetles. These pests represent two of the most damaging threats to canola crops, a sector that contributes approximately $44 billion to the Canadian national economy.
The funding, part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, supports a $1.65 million project titled "Eco-Friendly Precision: Innovation RNAi Encapsidation for Flea Beetle Control." The three-year initiative, scheduled for completion in 2028, focuses on developing a precision-targeted biocontrol method that interferes with specific genes unique to flea beetles, preventing their reproduction and survival without harming other species.
Canada leads the world in both production and export of canola, yielding approximately 20 million tonnes annually from the global production of approximately 70 million tonnes. The project aims to enhance the stability and potency of RNAi delivery for more reliable results under real-world farming conditions, providing canola farmers with a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
Once developed and approved, this made-in-Canada biocontrol innovation will be commercially available to farmers worldwide, offering protection for yields, cost reduction opportunities, and alignment with the global shift toward eco-friendly agriculture. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald emphasized that access to cutting-edge pest control tools is essential for maintaining Canada's leadership in sustainable, profitable agriculture and reducing crop losses.
The technology represents a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in canola production while supporting economic growth in rural communities and creating new opportunities across the agricultural value chain. More information about the company's work can be found at https://www.renaissancebioscience.com.
