When it comes to groundbreaking innovation in modern durum breeding, few names resonate as strongly as Curtis Pozniak. This year, Seed World Canada and Seeds Canada celebrate his incredible contributions as he receives the 2025 Plant Breeding and Genetics Award, part of the Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Awards program.
For over two decades, Pozniak has been at the forefront of wheat genetics, not only as a member and director of the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre but also as a revolutionary wheat breeder.
His accomplishments speak volumes. Pozniak has released over 20 durum wheat varieties, reshaping the landscape of Western Canadian agriculture. He’s led monumental initiatives, including the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium, setting a global standard for understanding wheat at the genetic level. Through his work, he’s embraced cutting-edge tools like next-generation genomic technology and digital phenotyping, crafting resilient, high-yielding crops while pushing agriculture toward sustainability.
It’s no surprise that he’s a champion of “climate-smart” crops, developing varieties designed to reduce synthetic nitrogen use and greenhouse gas emissions. As we honour his achievements, it’s clear his vision is securing the future of food systems worldwide.
From Touring Musician to Wheat Breeder
“Thank you so much—this is a tremendous honour,” Dr. Pozniak said as he accepted the award this morning during the Seeds Canada virtual semi-annual meeting. “I never imagined I’d be here when I first started out.”
His journey into plant breeding wasn’t a straight path. “I was actually a touring musician before all this,” he shared. “But I decided to go back to university for an agronomy degree, thinking I’d return to our family farm in Saskatchewan.”
That plan took a turn during his summer jobs in forage and canola breeding. “Those field experiences opened my eyes to the diversity of crops and the tangible impact plant breeders could have,” he recalled. “That was the spark for me.”
Mentors Who Shaped a Legacy
Behind every great scientist are mentors who guide, inspire, and shape their journey. For Pozniak, two individuals stand out.
“My PhD advisor, Dr. Pierre Hucl, was instrumental,” he said. “He’s a world-renowned wheat breeder who gave me the freedom to explore my ideas while keeping me motivated. Our conversations about improving selection efficiency and advancing wheat breeding were invaluable.”
Another major influence was Dr. John Clarke, a durum wheat breeder with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. “When I took on my own breeding program, John took me under his wing. He taught me the importance of integrating good science with practical breeding. His mentorship was pivotal in my career,” he explained.
The Variety That Stands Out
When asked to pick a favourite among his many accomplishments, Pozniak didn’t hesitate. “CDC Defy holds a special place for me,” he said.
The variety was developed with a specific goal in mind: improving resistance to fusarium head blight, a challenge that had long plagued durum wheat. “At the time, we didn’t have great resistance. CDC Defy was the result of years of effort, and it’s now the second most-grown durum variety in Western Canada, covering nearly 20% of the acreage,” he noted.
“There’s nothing more satisfying for a breeder than seeing your work thrive on nearly a million acres. That’s real impact,” he added.
Stay tuned in the coming days as we announce the recipient of the 2025 Seed of the Year award and the Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship recipients.
