U of G Researcher Receives Funding to Develop More Sustainable Wheat

Apr 17, 2026

A University of Guelph researcher has received government funding to help Canadian farmers grow wheat using fertilizer more efficiently while strengthening soil health and the wheat microbiome.

Dr. Kari Dunfield, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) has received $3,920,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Alliance Advantage program. The governments of Canada and Ontario, as well as industry partners contributed an additional $1,960,000 in funding and $143,695 of in-kind support.

“Collaboration between academia, industry and government is critical for developing innovative, sustainable solutions to complex agricultural challenges,” says Dr. Shayan Sharif, interim vice-president, research and innovation.

“We thank the federal government for supporting this collaboration through NSERC, along with government and industry partners, which will help Dr. Dunfield and her research team advance new approaches to improving nitrogen efficiency and environmental sustainability in Canada’s wheat sector.”

Guelph MP Dominique O’Rourke said: “This investment brings together the strengths of our researchers, producers, and industry partners to make one of Ontario’s most important crops more sustainable. Dr. Dunfield’s leadership will help farmers use nitrogen more efficiently, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen the sustainability of our agri‑food sector. This is exactly the kind of collaborative, practical innovation that keeps Ontario growers competitive while supporting the transition to a cleaner, more resilient future for Canadian agriculture.”

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Video: Why Invest in Canada’s Seed Future? | On The Brink: Episode 3

Darcy Unger just invested millions to build a brand-new seed plant on his farm in Stonewall, Manitoba so when it’s time for his sons to take over, they have the tools they need to succeed.

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When fusarium hit Western Canada in the late 90s, it was Canadian breeders who responded, because they understood Canadian conditions. That ability to react quickly to what’s happening on Canadian farms is exactly what’s at risk when breeding programs lose funding.

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On The Brink is a year-long video series traveling across Canada to meet the researchers, breeders, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers shaping the future of Canadian plant breeding. Each week, a new story. Each story, a piece of the bigger picture.

Episode 3 is above. Follow Seed World Canada to catch every episode, and tell us: Do you think the next generation will have the tools they need to success when they takeover? How is the future going to look?