Experience the Next Wave: Vision to Variety – Inside FP Genetics’ R&D Team

Passion drives each and every one of us at FP Genetics. As the Director of Research and Development, I have the privilege of guiding our team in developing innovative products tailored to grower needs. Our mission? To turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that every variety delivered is a product of quality and precision. Let’s take a closer look into our journey—starting with a need and concluding in seed that thrives in your field.

It all begins with identifying the challenges our farmers face. We work closely with our sales team, who engage directly with growers and end users, gathering valuable feedback that shapes the direction of our research. This allows us to pinpoint the specific traits that matter most to those who depend on our products.

Once we’ve formed a clear direction, we dive into local and global pools of germplasm, searching for potential candidates. The most promising selections undergo rigorous adaptation trials where collaboration, precision, efficiency and foresight are key.

FP Genetics doesn’t own land or equipment, so we rely on agricultural research companies who conduct and gather quality data from field trials. These partnerships are crucial, and we maintain a close relationship with trial managers to monitor performance throughout the growing season. Seeing the trials allows us to make real-time adjustments and ensures we’re on the right track.

This past season alone, we tested nine crop types—including cereals, pulses, and corn—in 50 replicated trials across 20 locations in Western Canada. The process is demanding and complex. It’s exhilarating pushing boundaries, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to a product that can transform a grower’s season.

When FP Genetics evaluates new international varieties, our testing spans at least two years across various locations in Western Canada. This approach ensures a variety is well-suited to the region and fits our portfolio. Depending on the crop, the registration process may take another three years, followed by pedigreed seed production. In total, it can take up to ten years from initial assessment to putting seed in grower’s hands.

The ag industry is constantly evolving. Farmers and consumer needs today may shift tomorrow, and while we can’t predict the future, we can anticipate it. Attending field days, conferences, and staying in touch with industry trends helps myself and my team stay ahead of the curve.

Throughout this entire journey, data is our north star. Yield is always a primary focus, but depending on the crop type, we also examine other critical factors such as days to flowering, days to maturity, lodging, height and disease resistance. Our Research Technician, Anne Nerbas, meticulously analyzes harvest samples to ensure that the quality of our products meets the highest standards.