Canadian Barley Research Secures $1.8 Million for Breeding Program

A significant funding agreement has been established between the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) and the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC). This collaboration will see an investment of $1.8 million over three years aimed at enhancing barley breeding programs focused on developing varieties with better agronomics, disease resistance, and end-use quality.

The financial support from CBRC will bolster CDC’s existing research capabilities. Curtis Pozniak, Director of the CDC, emphasized that the success of their barley breeding program hinges on skilled personnel, in-house malt and molecular marker laboratories, and the capacity to evaluate numerous breeding lines. “This CBRC funding will support these pillars moving forward,” Pozniak stated.

Collaboration for Enhanced Barley Production

The CBRC is a partnership that involves the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), Alberta Grains, and the Manitoba Crop Alliance. Under this agreement, Western Canadian farmers can anticipate the introduction of new barley varieties developed through a world-class program. Cody Glenn, Chair of CBRC and SaskBarley, noted, “The CDC is uniquely positioned to deliver effective results for Western Canadian agriculture.” He added that the funding extension will enable the program to continue producing improved varieties and seize new opportunities.

Industry leaders have echoed the importance of this investment, highlighting the direct benefits for farmers. Scott Jesperson, Chair of Alberta Grains, remarked on the practical implications: “The CBRC’s investment in the CDC reflects the importance of providing farmers with access to high-performing, resilient barley varieties. This funding will deliver on-farm benefits that help barley farmers improve yields, manage disease pressure, and stay competitive in global markets.”

Commitment to Long-Term Agricultural Innovation

The ongoing support for the CDC program has been prioritized by the CBRC, aligning with its objective to facilitate long-term investments that enhance profitability and competitiveness for barley farmers in Western Canada. Jonothan Hodson, Chair of Manitoba Crop Alliance, affirmed that the CDC has a strong history of developing high-performance barley varieties suitable for diverse end-use markets. “The CBRC’s continued support for this innovative breeding program will ensure barley remains a productive and profitable crop for farmers across Western Canada,” he stated.

This partnership not only signifies a concerted effort to advance barley production but also reinforces the commitment to agricultural research that benefits local communities and supports the economy. As the barley industry evolves, initiatives like this funding agreement play a critical role in ensuring that farmers are equipped to meet the challenges of a competitive global market.