CWRC report highlights risks and opportunities in Canada's wheat breeding system

"Roughly 80 per cent of wheat acres in Canada are planted to varieties developed through AAFC programs, making them the backbone of Western Canadian wheat breeding. However, the report also identifies emerging weaknesses within the system. It says recent and historic budget cuts, along with declining research capacity, are creating challenges in key stages of the breeding process-particularly variety development and pre-market testing."

"It's clear that the status quo is not a viable path forward. Our system has been incredibly productive for farmers and for the sector, but it's no longer working."

"The review outlines five stages in the wheat breeding pipeline-from foundational science and germplasm enhancement through to variety development, testing, and commercialization. According to the report, the early stages of research remain relatively strong in Canada's public system, but gaps are emerging in later stages."

Canada's wheat breeding system has historically delivered strong returns for farmers, but faces growing pressure requiring transformation. The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition commissioned a review examining the structure of wheat breeding innovation. Public breeding programs, particularly those run by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), have been critical to success, with approximately 80 percent of Canadian wheat acres planted to AAFC-developed varieties. However, recent and historic budget cuts combined with declining research capacity are creating challenges in key breeding stages, especially variety development and pre-market testing. The review identifies five stages in the wheat breeding pipeline from foundational science through commercialization, with gaps emerging in later stages. The current system model is no longer viable and requires significant changes to remain competitive.

Read at Realagriculture