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12 HOW FUNDING WORKS RESEARCH Research funding is a complicated process. It involves a huge number of moving parts, a ton of paperwork, number crunching, and conversa on. Cri cal to the en re process is the iden fica on of research priori es. In order for the Research Commi ee and APG board to make sound decisions that are based on the needs of growers and will have significant return of investment at the individual level, much me is spent ensuring these are mely and accurate. APG has historically par cipated in two different forums for funding research. The first is a federal agricultural program formerly called Growing Forward Science Clusters, and now referred to as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Agri Science Clusters are na onal programs that include all of the provincial pulse groups working jointly to determine priori es and evaluate projects. Due to the size and dura on of this ini a ve the prepara on and planning process begins 18 months prior to the actual start date. On an annual basis, APG par cipates in the Agriculture Funding Consor um. An informal group of 19 organiza ons par cipate in a single call for proposals. Research priori es of all groups are represented through a collec ve website portal. The cycle of funding decisions follows a common process. A call for research proposals is issued reques ng Le ers of Intent to be submi ed. Once reviewed by the various organiza ons the applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, which is reviewed both internally within our organiza ons as well as sent outside to experts in the field for scien fic soundness, novelty (do they duplicate exis ng knowledge L O I vs F U L L P R O P O S A L LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) The objec ves and deliverables of the proposed research project/idea includes a jus fica on for why the research is important. FULL PROPOSAL Detailed work-plan of the proposed research, including annual ac vi es, data measurements that will be taken, detailed budget and a communica ons plan for the research results. ALBERTA RESEARCH PRIORITIES 1. SURVEY OF MEMBERS/ STAKEHOLDERS 2. GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE 3. EMERGING ISSUES STARTING PROCESS or add to knowledge), and budget. Based on the acquired feedback, we work with the researchers to revise as necessary. Contracts are dra ed and once signatures are obtained, the research project can officially begin.