FP Genetics Inc. and The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command, announce a new collaboration that will seek to honour veterans and highlight the sacrifices they have made in service of community and country.
“The legislation that applies to naming plant varieties operates on the principle of ‘One Variety, One Name’. This affords us a unique, timeless and global opportunity to recognize veterans for their contributions to Canada by naming new crop varieties in their honour. Symbolically, these variety namesake’s will further contribute to the global community through high quality food production, which Canadian farmers are known for,” says Chris Churko, CEO of FP Genetics.
As part of this collaboration, The Legion’s Saskatchewan Command will accept and review applications from military and RCMP veterans and their families, and make recommendations to FP Genetics for variety names. As part of the submission, applicants will submit biographies and the stories they wish FP Genetics and Saskatchewan Command to share with the community.
Once a variety bearing a veteran’s name is officially registered, the public will be able to access variety information via FP Genetics communications and follow links to the Legion’s website to learn more about the person behind the name, their contributions to community and country, and the great services the Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command offers in support of veterans and first responders.
As part of this announcement, The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command and FP Genetics are releasing the name of the first veteran chosen in this collaboration, Harold Hague. The official variety name is AB Hague, which is a new high yielding feed barley bred by Pat Juskiw and team at the Crop Development Centre, Olds College. Others to follow in the coming weeks.
The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command, serves veterans and the communities in which it operates through advocacy work for the care and benefit of all who have served Canada. The Legion provides representation, services, and assistance to veterans at no cost.
The Legion understands the importance of honouring past sacrifices and acknowledging the courage of those who served and still serve today. Wholly-owned by more than 160 local seed growers, FP Genetics is dedicated to providing superior seed genetics to Western Canadian farmers. FP Genetics has developed an industry-leading portfolio of more than 60 certified seed varieties of various crop types including wheat, durum, barley, oats, flax, pulses, and hybrid fall rye.
