Research continues to support wheat varieties with improved yields and stronger disease resistance

New $11.8M Deal Boosts Wheat Research

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has announced a five-year investment of $11.8 million in a new core breeding agreement (CBA) with the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC).

This funding ensures the continuation of CDC’s wheat breeding programs, following the conclusion of the previous agreement in 2024.

This renewed partnership aims to support western Canadian farmers by enhancing wheat varieties with higher yields, stronger disease resistance, and improved adaptation to regional conditions.

“This renewed investment by the CWRC will directly benefit western Canadian farmers by supporting the development of wheat varieties with improved yields, stronger disease resistance and better adaptation to our growing conditions,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB. “Farmer-funded breeding programs like this ensure that producers have access to innovative, high-performing varieties that are in demand and help make their farms more productive and sustainable.”

Under the 2025-29 agreement, the CDC will focus on developing improved cultivars of Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR), Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD), and Canadian Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat. The funding will also promote the use of genomic-assisted selection, a method that integrates desirable traits such as disease and pest resistance with better agronomic performance.

“We have had a tremendously successful partnership with the CWRC and we are grateful for their continued support,” said Dr. Curtis Pozniak, CDC director and wheat breeder. “The continued investment from the CWRC will help support the CDC’s mission to deliver high-yielding and reliable wheat varieties for western Canadian farmers.”

This new agreement increases funding by over $2 million compared to the previous five-year plan. The investment is allocated among CWRC’s founding members through a funding shares arrangement.

"Over its history, innovations from USask's CDC have significantly helped producers by enhancing the value of their operations,” said Baljit Singh, vice-president research at USask. “The CWRC's investment will allow the CDC to continue to make positive impact in Canada's agriculture sector and around the world."

In addition to this agreement, the CWRC maintains similar breeding partnerships with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Alberta, reinforcing its commitment to advancing wheat research across the country.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek