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By Alice McFarlane

Researching better cereal varieties

Review of Canadian wheat breeding system confirms gaps and risks

Feb 26, 2026 | 4:04 PM

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has completed its review of the Canadian wheat breeding innovation system.  

It was conducted by Synthesis Agri-Food Network and featured analysis of related reports and studies, as well as interviews with 29 key stakeholders.  

CWRC chair Jocelyn Velestuk said the process confirmed three crucial facts about the current wheat breeding landscape in Western Canada.  

This includes the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) wheat breeding program being an integral part of western Canadian wheat variety development; the current wheat breeding system being at risk from recent budget cuts, especially at the variety development and pre-market evaluation stages; and, since wheat breeding is a long-term process, decisions made today will impact agriculture decades into the future.

“It’s clear that the status quo is not a viable path forward,” Velestuk said. “Our system has been incredibly productive for farmers and for the sector, but it’s no longer working. Securing the future of wheat in Canada requires a reimagining of our wheat breeding innovation system.”  

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The CWRC is currently exploring options for Canada’s wheat breeding innovation system. Discussions are underway with AAFC and the CWRC is committed to working with all stakeholders throughout the process.  

Farmer investment in wheat breeding has paid major dividends. Farmers received $33 in benefits for every dollar they invested in wheat breeding from 1995 to 2020, according to a recent study from the University of Saskatchewan.  

Since 2020, the CWRC has committed $70.5 million to western Canadian wheat breeding programs. Velestuk said Western Canadian farmers are invested in the future of wheat breeding in Canada.  

“We must create a path forward that addresses research gaps, delivers field-ready varieties and protects our long-term investments,” she said. 

The complete report can be found here.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com