Farmers fund variety research to produce better barley
Canada’s barley farmers are funding the next research push that will hopefully result in better yields and more resilient varieties.
In mid-November, the Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) announced nearly $1.15 million over three years to support Agriculture Canada’s core barley breeding program. Those funds came from farmer check-off dollars.
Why it Matters: Developing new barley genetics can be slow, particularly when it comes to malt barley, where maltsers have historically preferred established favourites, although some newer varieties have started to gain traction in recent years.
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The partnership helps farmers stay productive as growing conditions change, federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald said in a press release Nov. 17.
“AAFC’s barley breeding efforts help to ensure farmers stay productive and crops remain resilient to environmental challenges,” MacDonald said.
“This investment demonstrates how AAFC is driving innovation through collaboration with farmers.”
The agreement gives growers a direct role in setting research priorities. That helps ensure breeding efforts focus on practical needs such as disease resistance, agronomics and performance under increasingly variable weather, the release said.
Farmers want better tools to stay competitive, said CBRC chair Cody Glenn.
“Barley farmers across Canada are directly supporting innovation through this investment. Improved varieties mean better returns for producers, greater resilience in the face of disease and climate challenges and a stronger value chain from farm to end-user,” Glenn said.
Barley underpins Canada’s malting, brewing, feed and food sectors. Industry groups say maintaining markets at home and abroad depends on continued improvement in genetics and crop performance.
Farmers are committed to sustained progress, said Alberta Grains chair Scott Jespersen.
“This investment reflects the shared commitment of Canadian barley farmers to continuous improvement,” Jespersen said.
“By supporting cutting-edge breeding research, we’re ensuring farmers have access to high-performing, resilient varieties that strengthen the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of barley production across the country,” Jespersen said.
Access to new varieties is essential to keeping Canada’s reputation strong, said Manitoba Crop Alliance chair Jonothan Hodson.
“Canada’s reputation as a producer of high-quality barley depends on our access to the latest plant genetics,” Hodson said.
“This investment will ensure farmers across the country are equipped with the varieties we need to remain profitable and sustainable.”
Source: www.producer.com