Alberta’s Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is making waves in Canada’s plant breeding sector, marking a year of transformation and growth. As the organization approaches its first anniversary on April 1, it is pushing forward with new variety registrations, leadership appointments, and an ambitious revival of its field day in Lacombe.
At this year’s Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) meetings held last month, WCI presented five new varieties for government registration support: two feed and forage barley varieties, two spring triticale varieties, and the organization’s final winter triticale variety. “Once this winter triticale hits the market, which will take a few years, we’ll have to look elsewhere for genetics unless an opportunity arises to get back into winter triticale breeding,” said Erin Collier, WCI’s business development officer.
While variety development remains a core focus, WCI is also undergoing significant organizational changes. The nonprofit is actively recruiting its first permanent executive director, aiming to have someone in place soon. Additionally, the organization will host its first annual general meeting in June, marking the transition from its interim board to a permanent leadership structure.
Another exciting development is the expansion of WCI’s team. The organization recently welcomed a new research agronomy manager, Laura Bony. “Laura is spearheading an agronomy program for WCI—something we’ve never had before. Her expertise will allow us to integrate agronomy more effectively into variety development and open new opportunities for innovation,” Collier said.
Perhaps the most anticipated event on WCI’s calendar is the return of its field day in Lacombe in July. After a hiatus, the event is making a comeback with a renewed focus on showcasing the organization’s work and fostering industry collaboration.
“We want to bring people back to our home base, highlight our research, and demonstrate the effort behind developing these varieties,” Collier said. The event will feature variety demonstrations and insights from WCI’s industry partners, making it a must-attend for those in the plant breeding and agronomy sectors.
