The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition and Canadian Barley Research Coalition have entered a formal strategic partnership aimed at strengthening and modernizing Canada’s wheat and barley breeding system.
Announced Thursday, the agreement brings the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) formally into ongoing discussions between the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), and Agriculture Canada on the future of cereal breeding.
CWRC chair Jocelyn Velestuk said the partnership builds on a history of collaboration between the two organizations and reflects the common challenges facing wheat and barley breeding.
“Many farmers grow both wheat and barley, and the breeding systems for both crops face similar challenges that we can now address collaboratively,” said Velestuk in a statement.
The discussions grew out of a CWRC review of Canada’s wheat breeding innovation system, which examined potential risks and opportunities and how the system can continue developing high-performing varieties for Canadian producers.
The CBRC also participated in a CWRC visioning workshop in April that brought together industry stakeholders and Agriculture Canada representatives to develop a shared vision for the future of western Canadian wheat and barley breeding.
CBRC chair Scott Jespersen said the objective is to create an innovation-driven breeding system capable of delivering field-ready varieties that meet the needs of farmers as well as domestic and international customers.
“Through this new agreement, the CBRC and CWRC hope to ensure the Canadian system meets that standard for many years to come,” Jespersen said.
The organizations said they expect the collaboration to help build a breeding system that improves productivity and profitability for farmers while supporting the broader Canadian grain industry.
