Nature Conservancy of Canada inks massive land deal

Nov 30, 2022

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is launching a “once in a generation” project in the wake of a 6,700-acre private land donation.

The property is northwest of Winnipeg in the Rural Municipality of Woodlands, on the shores of East Shoal Lake. The NCC wants it to become an accessible conservation area that will engage local residents, provide ecotourism opportunities and connect visitors to nature.

“To date, it’s the second largest secure land project that we’ve done,” says Tim Teethart, a natural area manager for NCC.

The conservancy manages a tall-grass prairie reserve in what it calls the north block, which is just over 7,000 acres. Teethart says it took about 30 years to build up that land base.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.