Morden Research and Development Centre

The Morden Research and Development Centre (Morden RDC) was established in 1915 in Morden, Manitoba. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. 

The Centre is associated with four satellite locations:

• The Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM), located at the Albrechtsen Research Centre;

• The Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals (RCFFN), located at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus;

• The Canadian Centre for Grain Storage Research, located at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus; and

• The Cereal Quality Laboratory, located in Winnipeg.

Areas of Research

The Morden RDC conducts research in cereal (wheat, oats and barley), pulse, and oilseed (flax and sunflower) crop pathology; genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics; breeding and genetic enhancement of dry beans and soybean; crop production systems; stored-grain products; bioactive and quality traits to improve food for health; and sustainable and profitable agri-systems and agro-ecosystem health.

The Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals focuses on value-added functional foods and nutraceuticals which offer health promotion, performance enhancement, disease prevention, and management. The Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine is dedicated to understanding the potential health-related benefits found in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and natural health products derived from Canadian grown crops and plants.

Search Research projects from the Morden Research and Development Centre to learn more about what we do.

Sector Needs

The Morden RDC carries out innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities in support of the AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science, which include:

Research is increasing the productivity of cereal, pulse and crops throughout the value chain by developing enhanced germplasm, mitigating crop losses due to diseases and improving food quality. Scientists are identifying and using new resistance genes to reduce losses from pests and disease, addressing threats to the value chain (insects and mycotoxins in stored grains),and developing integrated crop management tools (nutrient and pest management, agronomy) to support the production of major crops grown in western Canada.

Scientists are identifying Canadian crops and agri-food products with bioactive or functional properties of economic interest, studying their nutritional and physiochemical properties, and their bio-functional health and wellness benefits. This identification of food attributes helps to differentiate Canadian agri-food products and ingredients while meeting quality and cost requirements.

The development and implementation of beneficial management practices for improved soil and water quality is enhancing the environmental performance of crop production. This includes research on:

• Forage and cropping systems
• Soil nutrient transport
• Nutrient and manure management
• Irrigation and drainage management and irrigation scheduling
• Soil moisture and salinity monitoring

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Morden Research and Development Centre through their profiles below.

You can also visit the Fields of Science campaign featuring 11 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists from coast to coast. Discover why they chose to pursue a career in agriculture and learn more about their research.