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In an era of climate change and growing concerns about food security, Memorial University has received an $800,000 donation from RBC Foundation to strengthen agricultural research, education and community programming at its Labrador Campus. 

The donation will support the Pye Centre, an 80-acre farm acquired by Memorial in 2019 as part of the university’s commitment to agricultural research and education in the province. Through this funding, the centre will expand programs that build community, drive research and create educational opportunities while contributing to food security and food sovereignty in Labrador. 

“Memorial University has a special relationship with the northern communities of our province, and that relationship is embodied in the Pye Centre,” said Janet Morrison, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University. “As a key feature of the Labrador Campus, the centre is built on collaboration, bringing local knowledge and academic practice together to co-create opportunities for students while addressing community needs and taking on the challenges of northern food production. On behalf of Memorial, we are deeply grateful to receive this support from RBC Foundation.” 

The Pye Centre is an innovative model for research and education in northern-focused food systems. Envisioned as a community-led hub supporting innovation in food production and distribution, the centre works in partnership with local farmers, Indigenous organizations, federal and provincial governments, students and researchers to respond to food security and food sovereignty priorities across Labrador. 

“Grenfell and Labrador campuses lead the way in agricultural research on the island and in Labrador,” said Dr. Ken Jacobsen, interim deputy provost (Grenfell and Labrador campuses). “Our researchers and academic programs are rooted in sustainable, community-based research focused on the critical issues of food security and innovation, while recognizing the traditional ways of feeding our populations. We are excited that this important work is being supported and the opportunity the Pye Centre fosters for collaboration.” 

"RBC Foundation’s donation to Memorial University's Pye Centre reflects our commitment to building community resilience through food security,” said Chris Ronald, regional president, Atlantic provinces, RBC. “The Nourish the North initiative empowers learners of all ages to engage with northern food systems, builds vital agricultural expertise and creates pathways to food sovereignty — skills that will nourish communities across Labrador for years to come." 

RBC–Pye Centre Nourish the North Initiative 

RBC Foundation’s funding will support several programs under the Nourish the North initiative, including the Digital Farm Training Platform, Farmer-Scientist Knowledge Exchange and On-Farm Learning and Wellness Programs. 

“RBC’s support will help us grow the Pye Centre into an even stronger hub for northern food systems, community collaboration and hands-on learning,” said Dr. Scott Neilsen, interim dean for Labrador Campus. “The centre is foundational to how we teach and conduct research at Labrador Campus, and this funding allows us to expand programs that connect people with the land, support local food production and build capacity across the region.” 

Digital Farm Training Platform 

The Digital Farm Training Platform will complement on-site activities with a virtual learning environment, allowing learners of all ages to engage with northern food systems beyond the physical farm. Organized around two seasonal phases — planting and growing and harvesting and planning — the platform will document farm activities through videos, tutorials and other content created with input from students, staff and volunteers. 

Farmer-Scientist Knowledge Exchange 

This program will foster collaboration between farmers and scientists to develop expertise on optimal conditions for achieving maximum crop yields. Building on ongoing agricultural trials conducted over the past four growing seasons in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the initiative will combine open-house farm events, training sessions and mentorship opportunities. 

On-Farm Learning and Wellness Programs 

The Pye Centre will co-develop farm-based community wellness programming, connecting people with food, land and community.