Seed World

The future of agricultural research in Canada is facing a critical moment — and a new report from the House of Commons agriculture committee is putting that debate squarely in the spotlight.

On the latest episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, Alberta MP and vice chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food John Barlow explains why committee members from all parties came together to recommend reversing planned closures of several Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities. 

According to Barlow, the committee’s recommendation was driven by overwhelming testimony from industry stakeholders, researchers, and witnesses who warned that shutting down these facilities could have lasting consequences for Canadian agriculture. Witnesses argued the closures would weaken innovation, reduce competitiveness, and even threaten food security. The concern, Barlow explains, was nearly unanimous among those who appeared before the committee. 

One of the biggest issues raised during hearings was the loss of long-term, location-specific research. Many of the facilities targeted for closure have been conducting work for decades in regions chosen for their unique soil types, climates, and agricultural conditions.

Witnesses stressed that this kind of research cannot simply be moved elsewhere without losing valuable continuity and relevance. The committee also heard concerns about losing experienced scientists and the institutional knowledge built over generations. 

But the conversation goes beyond simply keeping buildings open. The committee also discussed how federal research dollars could be used more effectively, how innovation outcomes should be measured, and how research could better translate into commercial opportunities for Canadian agriculture. Barlow notes that stakeholders repeatedly emphasized the need for clearer benchmarks, stronger accountability, and better pathways for turning public research into market-ready innovation. 

Now, attention turns to the federal government’s response. Ottawa has 45 days to answer to the committee’s recommendations, and Barlow says he hopes the first step will be an immediate pause on the planned closures while the government reassesses its decision. The report, supported by members from all parties — sends what Barlow describes as a united message about the importance of preserving Canada’s agricultural research capacity. 

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Canada isn’t struggling to generate ideas. It’s struggling to make them matter.

That’s the core challenge facing the country’s seed and ag innovation system, according to Nancy Tout, interim CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS).

“We’re incredibly strong at generating innovation,” Tout says. “But we need to spend more time thinking about the output side of that equation.”

Canada’s ecosystem is packed with strengths — universities, public breeding programs, private companies. But those assets aren’t translating into impact at the pace they should. The issue isn’t capability. It’s connection.

Tout points to the “valley of death” (the gap between research success and real-world adoption) as a persistent weak spot.

“An integrated system looks at discovery right through to commercialization,” she says. “Right now, we have a fractured system that works really well together, but we’re only as strong as the sum of our parts.”

Canada excels at funding research. But too often, promising ideas stall before reaching farmers.

“We have a disproportionate focus on the input side,” Tout says. “Where we’re falling short is delivering impact into the marketplace.”

The challenge is structural. Canada’s innovation ecosystem is made up of high-performing but disconnected parts.

“I often think about our system as full of rich assets,” Tout says. “But if you look at it as a whole pipeline, from discovery through delivery, you operate in a different mindset.”

Without that system-wide view, efforts to fix gaps risk being rushed and fragmented.

“I worry we’re trying to solve things too quickly with a short-term lens,” she says. “We may make decisions that don’t have long-term impact.”

One of the most overlooked issues, Tout argues, is measurement.

“Turning innovation into real-world impact starts with system-wide measurements and KPIs aligned to that impact,” she says.

Without shared metrics, different parts of the system optimize for different outcomes.

“If we’re measuring different things, we’re incentivizing different behaviors,” she adds. “And ultimately funding different results.”

Canada isn’t starting from zero. In fact, its strength is part of the problem.

“We’re all doing good things,” Tout says. “But we need to move from good to great.”

The opportunity lies in better leveraging what already exists — talent, infrastructure, and data — across institutional and provincial boundaries.

A more modern approach to innovation, she adds, also means building interdisciplinary teams that go beyond traditional models.

For Tout, the path forward comes down to intentional design.

“We need to intentionally fund that valley of death, not just discovery,” she says. “And align incentives from discovery through to impact.”

That includes stronger public-private-producer collaboration and a clearer focus on execution, not just ideas.

Ultimately, the shift is as much cultural as it is structural.

“We have to build intentional bridges,” Tout says. “When people see a shared opportunity, they rally around it.”

That starts with a common goal; one that pushes beyond institutional silos.

“We have to figure out something bigger than the sum of our parts,” she says. “When we create space for ideas and data to flow, great things can happen.”

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Canada has long punched above its weight in plant breeding — especially in wheat, where its global reputation for quality and performance is firmly established. But as Jason Reinheimer explains in this week’s Seed World Podcast, past success doesn’t guarantee future leadership.

In a timely and thought-provoking conversation, Reinheimer — currently head of cereals and pulses research at Limagrain Field Seeds and soon to be CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security — unpacks a growing challenge: Canada’s innovation system is at a crossroads.

While Canadian breeding has historically been driven by strong public investment, that model is under pressure. Tightening budgets and limited mechanisms for private return are making the country less attractive for global investment compared to competitors like Australia, France and Germany. The result? Fewer companies, fewer opportunities, and increasing risk of talent and innovation flowing elsewhere.

Reinheimer points to a clear global trend: when public funding declines, successful breeding nations adopt value capture systems that allow breeders to earn a return on their innovations. Canada, he argues, has the tools — including models like the Variety Use Agreement — but needs the will to act.

The stakes are high. Without change, Canada risks falling behind not because of a lack of expertise, but because of hesitation.

This episode goes beyond theory. It’s a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to happen next — from industry leadership to farmer engagement — to secure the future of plant breeding innovation in Canada.

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Canada’s top plant breeders’ rights official is stepping onto the global stage — and he’s bringing a clear message about innovation with him to the new episode of the Seed World Canada podcast.

Anthony Parker, commissioner of Canada’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Office, has been named the new president of UPOV, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. For Parker, the role is both a personal milestone and a chance to reinforce the importance of intellectual property in agriculture at a time of rapid technological change.

UPOV’s core mission — promoting plant variety protection — remains central to driving investment, competition and food security, Parker says. But its longevity comes from its ability to evolve alongside science. From genetic modification to gene editing, the organization continually updates its frameworks to reflect new realities while maintaining incentives for innovation.

That adaptability is already showing results in Canada. Strengthened plant breeders’ rights and policy changes, such as accepting foreign data, have helped unlock significant growth in sectors like greenhouse vegetables, where applications for new varieties have surged dramatically.

Still, challenges remain. One of the biggest is balancing long-standing farm practices, like saving seed, with the need to ensure breeders are fairly compensated. Parker emphasizes that sustainable innovation depends on shifting mindsets and building systems that reward investment from both public and private sectors.

Change, however, can’t be rushed. Parker stresses that meaningful progress requires collaboration across producers, breeders and policymakers — and the patience to get it right.

In the end, the future of agricultural innovation won’t be shaped by science alone, but by the policies, incentives and shared understanding that support it.

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News of the planned closure of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lacombe research station earlier this year is prompting reflection across Canada’s agricultural sector, particularly around research capacity, collaboration and long-term expertise.

In a new Seed World Podcast conversation, Lori Oatway, quality research scientist with Western Crop Innovations (WCI) in Lacombe, Alta., shares how the change is being felt at both a professional and community level.

Oatway, who both lives and works in Lacombe, said the news was difficult given the longstanding relationships tied to the station.

“These are people that we’ve worked with for 30 years, maybe even longer,” she says. “They’re friends, they’re colleagues… it’s a huge blow to our community.”

She noted that Canada’s agricultural research system is highly interconnected. Research conducted at one location often supports programs across the country, making closures difficult to absorb.

“We don’t just stand alone; our research goes throughout Canada,” she explains. “We don’t know how we’re going to replace that, or the people.”

The timing adds complexity. After several years of transition, Western Crop Innovations has recently reached a more stable footing, with clearer funding and direction. At the same time, the Lacombe closure introduces new uncertainty.

“We feel like we’re in a spot where we see a path forward,” Oatway says. “And then this comes, and you’re kind of asking all over again — how are we going to make this work?”

A key concern is the potential loss of expertise built over decades. Oatway emphasizes that research programs rely heavily on people, not just infrastructure.

“We’re hoping there’s a path forward for most of them,” she says. “Because these programs have taken decades to build.”

Oatway also brings a producer perspective. Alongside her husband, she grows seed in Lacombe, helping move new varieties from breeder seed into commercial production. That connection reinforces the importance of practical outcomes.

“It’s not just your farm — it’s everybody’s farm,” she says. “You have to think beyond what works for you.”

The closure is also affecting individuals directly, as researchers consider whether to relocate or leave their roles. That reality raises broader questions about the future of agricultural careers in Canada.

“Agriculture is a small community,” Oatway says. “But is it getting too small? Where are the opportunities for young people coming in?”

While the full impact of the closure is still unfolding, the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a strong, connected research system to support innovation across Canadian agriculture.

To hear more from Lori Oatway, listen to the full conversation on the Seed World Podcast.

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Canada’s seed industry is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

At the Prairie Grain Development Committee meetings, new Seeds Canada CEO Dan Wright didn’t mince words: without better funding for innovation, Canadian farmers risk falling behind globally.

So what’s the solution?

Plant breeders are doing the hard work developing higher-yielding, disease-resistant crops, but they’re often only paid once for their innovation.

After that? Farmers can reuse seed, and breeders see little return.

That’s a problem when:

Enter the Variety Use Agreement (VUA).

It’s simple:

Think of it as a pay-for-performance model for seed innovation. 

Global companies are watching Canada.

If they can’t capture value here, they may invest elsewhere.

And that means:

There’s no silver bullet, but doing nothing isn’t an option.

The future of Canadian agriculture depends on:

 Want the full story?
Hear Dan Wright break it down on the latest Seed World podcast.

The post Seed Innovation in Canada: The Funding Problem No One Can Ignore appeared first on Seed World.

Dr. Kelly Turkington has spent more than four decades studying the diseases that shape Western Canadian crops, but ask him about his career, and he’ll tell you it’s really about people.

In the latest episode of the Seed World Canada podcast, Turkington — longtime plant pathologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lacombe, Alta. — reflects on a career that helped farmers better understand and manage crop disease, often saving them thousands of dollars in the process.

From his early days as a University of Saskatchewan student inspired by a single plant pathology class, to years spent scouting fields on his hands and knees in rural Saskatchewan, Turkington’s story is one of curiosity, humility and connection. Along the way, he built a reputation not just as a scientist, but as someone who listens — whether to farmers, agronomists or colleagues.

In this conversation, Turkington opens up about the realities of a life in agricultural research — the importance of mentorship, the challenge of public speaking, and the camaraderie that makes the work meaningful. He also shares candid reflections on impact: those moments in the field when a simple conversation leads to better decisions and measurable results for farmers.

Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Kelly Turkington on the Seed World Canada podcast.

The post Plant Pathology, Farmers and 40 Years in Ag: Dr. Kelly Turkington’s Story appeared first on Seed World.

It’s rare that the seed sector and the music industry overlap, but Anton van Doornmalen, Rijk Zwaan’s co-owner, chairman of its supervisory board and a singer-songwriter on the side, is changing that. For van Doornmalen, music is more than a way to unwind after a day in the office — it’s his way of sharing knowledge and passion for the vegetable seed industry. 

Van Doornmalen’s album “Seed Songs” describes the positive atmosphere and feeling of togetherness that he says the seed industry delivers. Songs like “We are just seedsmen” explain what it’s like to work as a seedsman, as well as talking about the goals and challenges in the industry. The song was written by van Doornmalen and is his take on the famous Paul Simon song “The Boxer”. 

“With my songs, I want to capture feelings,” says van Doornmalen. “A feeling can remain in the songs forever.” 

During the 2024 World Seed Congress hosted by the International Seed Federation (ISF), van Doornmalen performed his song, aptly called “ISF”. Some might remember originally hearing the song at the 1996 World Seed Congress in Amsterdam. 

“For me, it was very special to perform at the ISF in front of so many longtime companions, competitors and friends,” he says.

Besides the new version of the song, Anton played “Passion in Seed”, originally composed for Hiroshi Sakata and the 100th anniversary of the Sakata Seed Corporation. 

“This reflects the good atmosphere in the vegetable seed industry,” he says.

One of Van Doornmalen’s newest songs is “We are One”, written to celebrate Rijk Zwaan’s 100th anniversary. The song connects all of Rijk Zwaan’s subsidiaries and is accompanied by the European Pop Orchestra, a symphony orchestra specializing in pop music.  

Van Doornmalen has released nine multi-lingual albums that include over 50 songs sung in Dutch, English and German. All of van Doornmalen’s music can be streamed on Spotify or found on YouTube. The “ISF” music video created for the 2024 ISF conference can be found here, and the song can be downloaded for free here. Under this link you can find additional information about van Doornmalen’s music. 

All of van Doornmalen’s concerts have a charitable purpose, supporting the foundation Sibusiso, which helps mentally and physically handicapped children in Tanzania. 

“With my performances, I can share these feelings to the audience — and I can do something good at the same time,” he says.

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At the recent meetings of the Prairie Grain Development Committee, Seed World Canada sat down with Howard Love, lead scientist for Mustard 21 in Saskatoon, to talk about his extensive history in the ag industry, where mustard is as a crop and where it’s going in the future.

The crop is hugely important to Canada, which is one of the world’s top exporters of mustard grain. Mustard 21’s primary goal is to ensure that mustard remains a competitive crop on the Prairies.

“Currently, the economics of mustard cultivation are in our favour. The price of mustard per pound makes it significantly more profitable than canola, especially when comparing the return per bushel. This difference in pricing structure underscores the financial appeal of mustard farming,” Love says.

Market dynamics, however, are not static.

Many producers see mustard as a viable alternative in various regions, Love notes in a wide-ranging conversation. Yet, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about crop rotations to mitigate the risk of volunteer canola intrusion. Mustard 21 is actively addressing these concerns to safeguard the long-term sustainability of mustard farming.

The post Howard Love and Mustard 21 are Working to Keep Mustard a Competitive Crop appeared first on Seed World.

Greg and Sarah Stamp of Stamp Seeds have been chosen as the 2023 winners of the Alberta/NWT Outstanding Young Farmers Program. Among four nominees, the dynamic couple secured the coveted title, recognized for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural industry. The prestigious event took place in conjunction with AgSmart in Olds, Alta. this week.

Stamp Seeds and Stamp Farms is a second-generation pedigreed seed farm and seed retailer based in Enchant. Working in tandem with Greg are his brothers, Nathan Stamp and Matthew Stamp, managing the operations of the farm. With a team of 19 full-time staff and an additional eight to nine seasonal or summer students, the Stamps cultivate 5,000 acres of irrigation and 2,000 acres of dryland, focusing on producing 95% of their crops for seed.

Recognizing Excellence in Young Farmers

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program seeks to celebrate and recognize young farmers who exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators aged between 18 and 39, deriving a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farm operations. The program holds seven regional recognition events annually, and from each region, one farming couple is selected to represent at the national recognition event.

The Judging Criteria

At the national event, the seven honorees undergo assessment by a panel of judges, who evaluate their achievements based on specific criteria. The evaluation includes assessing the progress made throughout their farming careers, the extent of their implementation of soil, water, and energy conservation practices, their crop and livestock production history, financial and management practices, and their contributions to the well-being of the community, province, and nation.

During AgSmart, Marc Zienkiewicz had the opportunity to catch up with Greg and Sarah Stamp to talk about the value of the program. Their story of perseverance, sustainability, and progress in the farming industry struck a chord with many attendees.

The couple highlighted the importance of sustainability, progress, and overcoming challenges in their farming journey. They spoke passionately about their on-farm practices and the timeline of their achievements. Reflecting on their experiences, the Stamps acknowledged the value of participating in the Outstanding Young Farmers Program.

The Stamps expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their story and the lessons they learned along the way. Engaging with other farmers and learning about the advancements and innovations in various sectors of agriculture left the couple inspired.

As farmers, one of the challenges lies in communicating the advancements and innovations within the agricultural industry to those outside the farming community, Greg said. The Stamps recognized the importance of bridging this communication gap and raising awareness about the evolving face of agriculture.

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