Canadian Wheat and Barley Research Coalitions Form Strategic Partnership

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) and Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) have entered into a formal strategic partnership aimed at transforming Canada's wheat and barley breeding system.

The partnership builds on the organizations' history of collaboration on behalf of western Canadian farmers and seeks to address common challenges facing breeding programs for both crops.

The agreement marks the CBRC's formal entry into ongoing discussions between the CWRC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Those discussions originated from the CWRC's review of Canada's wheat breeding innovation system and a subsequent report identifying potential risks and opportunities. The review was intended to help ensure the system continues to develop high-performing varieties for farmers across Canada.

The CBRC previously participated in a CWRC workshop in April, when industry stakeholders and AAFC representatives worked together to develop a shared vision for the future of wheat and barley breeding in western Canada. That vision was subsequently outlined in a joint statement.

The organizations envision an innovation-driven plant breeding system that delivers field-ready varieties meeting the needs of farmers and international end-use customers.

CWRC Chair Jocelyn Velestuk, who farms near Broadview, Saskatchewan, said the partnership is a natural extension of the organizations' existing relationship. Many farmers grow both wheat and barley, and the breeding systems for both crops face similar challenges that can be addressed collaboratively.

CBRC Chair Scott Jespersen, who farms near Spruce Grove, Alberta, said the agreement is intended to help ensure Canada's plant breeding system continues to meet the needs of farmers and end-use customers for years to come.

Both coalitions expect the collaboration to support the development of a wheat and barley breeding system that benefits Canadian farmers and the broader grain industry.

Source: Canadian Wheat Research Coalition, "CWRC and CBRC join forces to transform wheat and barley breeding"