AAFC funding to focus on creating wheat resistant to key diseases like Fusarium

CWRC invests $19.9 million for wheat breeding program 

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has announced a $19.9 million investment over the next three years to support wheat breeding research. This funding is part of a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and will help develop strong, field-ready wheat varieties for Canadian farmers. 

The goal of this agreement is to ensure Prairie wheat farmers continue to receive high-quality varieties that meet real-world challenges such as disease, pests, and harsh weather.  

“This agreement is about making sure Canadian wheat farmers continue to have access to top-quality varieties that perform in the real world,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB. “By supporting AAFC’s breeding work, we are helping tackle some of the biggest challenges on the farm, like disease, pests and tough weather, while keeping our focus on the quality standards our customers count on.” 

The CBA, covering the years 2025 to 2028, supports the development of Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, Canada Prairie Spring Red, Canada Western Soft White Spring, and Canada Western Red Winter wheat. These varieties will help farmers reduce risks and remain competitive in global markets. 

AAFC researchers will focus on creating wheat that resists key diseases like Fusarium head blight, rusts, and leaf spots. They’ll also develop varieties that can handle pests such as wheat stem sawfly and orange wheat blossom midge. Importantly, the new wheat will be designed to survive extreme weather, including drought and heat, while continuing to meet Canada’s strict quality standards. 

“Researchers with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have been breeding wheat for 100 years, supporting Canadian farmers in maintaining their global reputation for producing a premium product,” said the Honorable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will ensure our farmers have wheat varieties that can better overcome disease and weather challenges, and maintain Canada’s competitive advantage in cereal production.” 

The CWRC’s investment is shared among its founding members. In addition to its work with AAFC, CWRC also funds breeding programs at the Universities of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. These combined efforts are aimed at ensuring a strong and sustainable future for Canadian wheat farming. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham