Canadian agriculture is set to thrive further with a $5 million investment from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) into the accelerated breeding program of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask)

The newly named FCC Accelerated Breeding Program at GIFS will drive sustainable advancements in agricultural productivity across Canada.

Accelerated breeding combines technologies such as genomic selection, speed breeding, bioinformatics and computer simulation to increase the rate of genetic gain for crop and livestock breeding programs, delivering new products into the hands of producers two to three years faster and improving agronomics, quality and disease resistant traits.

 

 “Canadian breeders have a long history of driving innovation, introducing new varieties, and creating new market opportunities”

 

 

Deployed for over 20 years in dairy and for more than a decade in crops such as corn and soybean through large corporations, the FCC Accelerated Breeding Program at GIFS will provide public and private breeders access to the same technologies not routinely available for crops and livestock important to Canada.

“A strong agricultural sector is one that is always innovating from the farm gate to the plate,” Agriculture and Agri-Food minister Lawrence MacAulay stated. “With the support of Farm Credit Canada, the Accelerated Breeding Program will strengthen Canada’s position as a reliable and sustainable global food producer and supplier.”

By boosting Canadian agriculture’s productivity, competitiveness and sustainability, it will help to bolster the country’s global position as a reliable and sustainable producer of food for the world.

“For Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry to remain one of the most innovative and competitive in the world, we need to anticipate opportunities in global markets or create new ones ourselves, not simply respond to them,” added David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture. “The Accelerated Breeding Program at the Global Institute for Food Security helps enable this and reinforces our international leadership in agri-food research and production.”

A 2023 report by FCC identifies a $30 billion opportunity over ten years to rekindle Canada’s agriculture productivity growth, and highlights innovation and technology as a pathway to achieving this. Increased genetic gain and yield derived through accelerated breeding will help stimulate rural economic growth and translate to increased revenue and market share for Canadian agriculture.

“Our investment in the Accelerated Breeding Program is a commitment to improving Canada’s agricultural productivity and addressing the pressing challenges of improving food security,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC President and Chief Executive Officer. This collaboration with the Global Institute will keep Canada at the forefront of agricultural excellence and sustainable production.” 

The FCC Accelerated Breeding Program at GIFS complements USask, Saskatchewan and Canada’s strong and successful history of breeding, innovation and agricultural production.

“Canadian breeders have a long history of driving innovation, introducing new varieties, and creating new market opportunities, and accelerating the productivity gains for new crop and livestock varieties and hybrids in Canada.”