Agriculture Roundup for Thursday September 29. 2022

Sep 29, 2022

The Western Grains Research Foundation is providing financial support for a new research facility.

WGRF will contribute $750,000 to the Advanced Agriculture Research Centre of Excellence at SARDA AG Research in Donnelly, AB.

WGRF Board Chair Dr. Keith Degenhardt said SARDA’s research has been benefiting producers in the region for more than 30 years.

“WGRF is excited to contribute to this unique opportunity for SARDA to build a hub in the north for advanced agricultural research,” Degenhardt said.

SARDA Ag Research is a non-profit organization directed by producers from the Municipal Districts of Smoky River, Greenview, Big Lakes County, Northern Sunrise County and the County of Grande Prairie, AB.

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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.