Carman, MB and Saskatoon, SK, Canada
September 3, 2026

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) and Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) have entered a formal, strategic partnership to transform the Canadian wheat and barley breeding system.

“Our two organizations have a history of working together on behalf of western Canadian farmers, so this formal partnership was a natural fit,” says CWRC chair Jocelyn Velestuk, who farms near Broadview, SK. “Many farmers grow both wheat and barley, and the breeding systems for both crops face similar challenges that we can now address collaboratively.”

This new agreement represents the CBRC’s official entrance into ongoing discussions between the CWRC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) that originated from the CWRC’s review of, and subsequent report on, the Canadian wheat breeding innovation system. The review was designed to identify and address potential risks and opportunities in the Canadian system, ensuring it continues to generate elite varieties for farmers across the country.

Previously, the CBRC had participated in a CWRC visioning workshop in April, where industry stakeholders and AAFC representatives met to co-develop a shared vision of the optimal future of western Canadian wheat and barley plant breeding. That vision was subsequently shared in a joint statement, which can be read here.

“We all agreed that the ideal plant breeding system is innovation driven and delivers field-ready varieties that meet the needs of farmers and our end-use customers around the world,” says CBRC chair Scott Jespersen, who farms near Spruce Grove, AB. “Through this new agreement, the CBRC and CWRC hope to ensure the Canadian system meets that standard for many years to come.”

The CWRC and CBRC are confident this collaboration will help produce a wheat and barley system that works for farmers, works for the industry and works for Canada.

Published: September 3, 2026