b'AFTER AAFC CUTS, SEED GROWERS SEE A TURNING POINTPrairie industry leaders warn of risks to breeding and variety testing, but say the moment presents an opportunity to reshape Canadas crop research model.By Marc ZienkiewiczWHEN AGRICULTURE AND Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) confirmed that it would eliminate 665 positions and close seven research facilities as part of federal budget reductions, the news reverberated across the countrys farm sector.The facilities affected include major Prairie stations such as Lacombe in Alberta, Indian Head and Scott in Saskatchewan, and Portage la Prairie in Manitobasites that have formed part of Canadas public agricultural research infrastructure for generations.In Ottawa, the announcement triggered an emergency study at the House of Commons agriculture com-mittee. Farm groups demanded clarity. Provincial officials sought answers.Among seed growers, however, the initial reaction has begun to evolve intoSimon Ellis is president of the Manitoba SeedChris Barker is executive director for the something more consequential. Growers Association. Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association.If the federal government is stepping back, seed growers say, the industry must step forward. improved malt characteristics, flax withFarmers adopt it. Royalties flow back This has made the year very excit- better yield stability. But breeding aloneinto research, sustaining the cycle.ing, and not necessarily in a positivedoes not change agriculture. Interrupt any part of that system, way, said Simon Ellis, president of theBetween invention and widespreadeven briefly, and the effects compound, Manitoba Seed Growers Associationadoption stands an intermediary layer ofBarker notes.(MSGA). But it has forced a lot ofthe system: seed growers. One particular concern centres on communication. Were all talking moreSeed growers play a unique rolebreeder seed production at facilities such than ever about whats at stake and whatin the agricultural value chain, saysas Indian Head. Seed growers periodi-comes next. Chris Barker, executive director of thecally return to such sites to refresh foun-That conversationunfoldingSaskatchewan Seed Growers Associationdational seed stocks. Without that seed quietly across provincial boardrooms and(SSGA). Breeding programs createincrease function, multiplication stalls.industry callsmay prove more impor- extraordinary inventions. But withoutIndian Head has been a bottleneck tant than the cuts themselves. seed growers moving those varieties into in the best possible way, Barker adds. general use, they dont become innova- Its the gateway for moving new genetics The Architecture of Innovation tions. into farmers fields.Plant breeders, whether public or private,Breeders release a new variety. SeedThe challenge now is ensuring that develop new genetic material: wheat withgrowers multiply breeder seed into certi- gateway remains open, regardless of stronger disease resistance, barley withfied seed. That seed reaches farmers.federal restructuring.10 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA MARCH 2026'