b'but if we reduce our capacity for deliver- Contrast this with project-based ing field-ready cultivars and dont havefunding, often tied to short-term priori-a solid plan in place to fill that void, theties. Projects are important, but they consequences could be dire. cant replace stable program funding. Graf emphasized the long timelinesWhen projects end, were left with exper-in plant breeding, often 10 to 12 yearstise and infrastructure we cant sustain. from initial cross to market-ready variety.Long-term stability is the foundation for Whats coming out in the next five yearsinnovation.is already in the pipeline, he said. ByGraf believes the solution lies in the time we notice a problem, it will becreating better incentives for private too late, and clawing our way back willcompanies to invest in plant breeding.be a monumental task. We need an ecosystem that promotes Pozniak, who has witnessed thesea return on investment, he said. Graf shifts firsthand as CDC director, believesadvocated for exploring new funding the opportunity lies in fostering innova- Seed grower Sarah Weigum said themechanisms, such as endpoint royalties tion through collaboration. discussion was the first time she had given(EPRs), despite their controversial repu-This isnt a new conversation, heserious thought to what the future might looktation among farmers. like as AAFCs role in plant breeding evolves.noted, referencing decades-old docu- We cant rely on the existing system ments discussing similar transitions.to fill the void left by AAFCs transition. The challenge is ensuring we create aPlant breeding takes time10,We need bold ideas and a willingness to system that incentivizes private-sector15, even 20 yearsand if we dont acttry new approaches, he said, noting an investment while maintaining public- today, the lack of diverse varieties willEPR of just one cent per bushel of wheat sector excellence. become painfully clear down the road. would generate around $11 million in For Souter, starting her own plantFor Souter, the solution is clear: fosterfunding for breeding programs.breeding company wasnt just a careercompetition and innovation by sup-choiceit was a mission borne out ofporting a diverse ecosystem of breedingBeyond Competition: The Call for necessity. In 2019, she launched J4 Agri- programs. Its about hedging our betsCollaborationScience, a Saskatchewan-based startup ensuring farmers and seed grow- Competition has its placein sports. tackling one of Canadas most criticalers have options, and the industry hasBut in agriculture, collaboration is non-agricultural challenges: diversifying theresilience. negotiable, Yada said. We cant afford to nations plant breeding ecosystem in thePozniaks insights offered a com- be competitive within the industry. We face of shifting government priorities. pelling argument for program-basedneed to pool resources, share expertise, I grew up on a farm in northeast- funding. Plant breeding is inherently aand work together.ern Saskatchewan and saw firsthandlong-term endeavour, he said. "Program- Eudes echoed this sentiment, urging the entrepreneurial spirit of our grainbased funding provides stabilitysup- stakeholders to embrace co-development. sector, she said. But as I went throughporting our people, infrastructure, andDefining a sustainable funding model grad school, I realized that many cropscore breeding activities. Without it, theisnt just a government responsibilityin Canada relied on just one breedingwork simply cant continue." its a collective effort. We need a broader program. Its like building an entireThe CDC operates with a $30conversation that involves every stake-industry on a single leg of a stoolonemillion annual research and operatingholder, he said.that could collapse under the weight ofbudget, balanced across contributionsMayer said the current Canadian future challenges. from government, growers and industry.model that funds and delivers varieties Her decision to strike out on her ownThese partnerships are critical. He alsoposes a risk. If we dont collectively wasnt made lightly. Canadas agricul- noted the importance of public and pri- pursue alternative funding models, the tural sector is at a pivotal moment, andvate sector collaboration, and describedsystem risks breaking in ways we dont for breeders like her, the challenges arean innovative collaborative programwant.daunting and the need for new fundingwith Corteva Agriscience, where theFor universities, the stakes are high. models is critical. two entities work together to improveYada underscored the challenge of cover-Around the globe, countries likethe nutritional profile of durum wheat. ing operational costs in light of dimin-the UK and Australia transitioned theirThey bring technology; we bringishing provincial transfers. If partners public breeding programs decades ago,germplasm, expertise and know-how.dont step up, we cant run the university allowing private breeding enterprises toIts a win-win that showcases the poweror educate and train the students who are flourish, she noted. In Canada, however,of collaboration and program-basedyour future employees.He called for a the shift has been slower.funding, he said. shift in the narrative with industry and 16 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JANUARY 2025'