A coalition of Western Canadian crop groups have pledged nearly $1.15 million for development of new barley varieties.
“Barley farmers across Canada are directly supporting innovation through this investment,” said Canadian Barley Research Coalition chair Cody Glenn in a Nov. 17 news release.
The coalition pledged $1,148,900 over three years in a core barley breeding agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The intent behind the funding is to develop new barley varieties with higher yields, better agronomics and stronger disease resistance. By working with AAFC researchers, producers ensure they drive research priorities, the coalition said.
The Canadian Barley Research Coalition is a national group funded by Alberta Grains, the Manitoba Crop Alliance and the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission.
Between 2020 and 2025, it held a $1.5 million core breeding agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and a $2.7 million agreement with the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre, its website says.
