CWRC allocates nearly $20 million to AAFC wheat breeding activities

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has announced an investment of $19.9 million over the next three years in a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). This funding aims to develop field-ready wheat varieties, ensuring Prairie farmers have continued access to high quality wheat genetics.

The new agreement is intended to support AAFC’s breeding programs, addressing challenges such as disease, pests, and adverse weather conditions.

Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, Alberta, says this agreement is about making sure Canadian wheat farmers continue to have access to top-quality varieties that perform in the real world.

“By supporting AAFC’s breeding work, we are helping tackle some of the biggest challenges on the farm, like disease, pests, and tough weather, while keeping our focus on the quality standards our customers count on.”

The CWRC’s funding through the 2025-28 CBA will support the development of various wheat varieties, including Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, Canada Prairie Spring Red, Canada Western Soft White Spring, and Canada Western Red Winter. These varieties are designed to reduce business risk and enhance competitiveness for western Canadian farmers.