The idea that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) might scale back its involvement in crop variety development has farmers and industry experts talking. The consequences of such a move are multifaceted, and while some in the industry are exploring alternatives, the challenges remain significant.
In a panel discussion held last week at the Alberta Seed Processors meeting in Edmonton, Alberta Seed Guide editor Marc Zienkiewicz noted that AAFC is planning to reduce its activities in regard to field-ready cultivar development. Who will fill the void, and what do farmers need to know? He was joined by three panelists: Lauren Comin, Seeds Canada policy director based in Calgary; Jeremy Boychyn, research director for Alberta Grains; and Jodi Souter, owner of J4 Agri-Science in Saskatoon.
Regional Differences and Crop-Specific Needs
“It’s very crop-specific and location-specific,” said Souter, a farmer and plant breeder. “There’s a big difference between agriculture in the East and the West. The variety development models are very different and need to be tailor-made for each region.”
For crops like wheat, particularly Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS), AAFC varieties dominate. “If AAFC were to stop commercializing without a suitable transition plan, the impact would be huge,” she explained. “Organizations have put in funding years in advance, expecting it to lead to a variety. If AAFC steps out, what happens to that investment?”
A System Under Strain
The registration system, reliant on AAFC’s capacity, could face severe disruptions if the ag industry doesn’t have a solid plan to ensure variety development continues amid AAFC’s shifting role. Comin pointed out that AAFC supports disease nurseries and registration trials.”If they don’t need that for their primary business anymore, who will run those? Without that, you’re left with a pipeline that’s barely functional,” she said
Souter added: “Some crops already only have one breeding program in Western Canada—or none at all. Our entire industry for these crops is like a stool with one leg. If that leg breaks, we’re in trouble.”
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