We’re at the interprovincial seed growers meeting in Calgary hosted by the Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers, and our editor Marc Zienkiewicz a will host a panel discussion on The Future of Plant Breeding in Canada. The focus? Developing a roadmap for the future of seed development in a changing country.
The future of plant breeding in Canada is at a pivotal juncture, and the conversation is no longer about if we need change—it’s about how we make it happen. The panel will tackle the hard questions about innovation, collaboration, funding, and action in a field that underpins Canadian agriculture’s resilience and growth.
For over a decade, stakeholders have debated strategies for Canadian plant breeding, but meaningful action remains elusive. With Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) putting its focus on toward upstream research, the call for a unified strategy is more urgent than ever. How can the sector bridge the gaps left by this transition? How do we move beyond consultation to true action? These are just some of the questions this panel will address.
The panel features:
- François Eudes, who holds dual roles at AAFC as Research, Development, and Technology Director and national science lead for breeding innovation and crop germplasm development.
- Holly Mayer, Director of Science Partnerships at AAFC, who has guided strategic investments in agricultural R&D.
- Rickey Yada, Dean of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta and a seasoned voice in agricultural innovation.
- Curtis Pozniak, renowned wheat breeder and Director of the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan.
- Jodi Souter, Nuffield Scholar and founder of J4 Agri-Science, who brings a dual perspective as both a farmer and plant breeder.
- Robert Graf, retired AAFC winter wheat breeder and seasoned advisor with decades of experience in public and private plant breeding.
Why Now?
The panel kicks off by addressing the elephant in the room: Why has progress on a cohesive strategy been so slow, and why is immediate action critical? Panelists will unpack how AAFC’s evolving role creates opportunities—and risks—for other stakeholders, from private breeders to universities.
From the Crop Development Centre’s program-based approach to the University of Alberta’s student-focused breeding pipeline, panelists will explore the innovations and hurdles shaping the future. Curtis Pozniak will discuss how his team’s partnerships sustain innovation, while Rickey Yada highlights the importance of equipping the next generation of breeders.
The panel will dive into one of the most contentious issues—funding. While diverse funding sources exist, from government grants to certified seed sales, there’s widespread agreement that the current model isn’t sustainable.
The discussion will culminate with actionable steps. What can the sector do to foster collaboration across public and private realms? How can growers, researchers, and policymakers work together to craft a strategy that serves everyone?
Stay tuned for an article covering the panel highlights.
