At just 25, Anirup Sengupta is using genomics, AI, and predictive breeding tools to help plant breeders develop more resilient crops — without losing sight of the farmers those innovations are meant to serve. When Anirup Sengupta talks about plant breeding on this week’s episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, he reaches for an analogy almost anyone can understand. “Without a reference genome,” he says, “breeding is a bit like trying to assemble a massive puzzle without seeing the picture on the box.” It’s a fitting description of the challenge he has chosen to tackle as a PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan, where he works with the Crop Development Centre and the Global Institute for Food Security. Originally from West Bengal, India, Sengupta is one of three recipients of the 2026 Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship, an award recognizing graduate students advancing the future of plant breeding and genetics. His research focuses on cicer milkvetch, a perennial forage legume valued for its nutritional quality and ability to reduce frothy bloat in grazing livestock. Despite those advantages, the crop has never reached its full potential because of poor germination, weak seedling establishment, and limited genomic resources. “My research is about providing plant breeders with a much more detailed roadmap to improve crops faster and more efficiently,” Sengupta says. The cornerstone of that roadmap is the crop’s first reference genome—a complete genetic blueprint that allows researchers to identify genes associated with traits such as seedling vigour, forage yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. But that’s only part of the picture. Sengupta is also analyzing the crop’s genetic diversity and applying genomic selection, an increasingly important tool that uses DNA markers and predictive models to identify promising breeding lines long before years of field testing are complete. “Instead of waiting several growing seasons,” he explains, “breeders can make decisions much earlier, save a lot of time and resources in the breeding program, and help accelerate genetic gains.” The Next Generation of Plant Breeding Traditional breeding remains the foundation of crop improvement, but today’s breeders have access to tools previous generations could scarcely imagine. For Sengupta, the future lies in combining—not replacing—those approaches. “The future of crop improvement would be to combine the strengths of traditional breeding, the breeders’ knowledge and expertise, with genomics, AI, and big data approaches,” he says. “It is not basically replacing the breeders. It is giving them much more precise tools to make faster and smarter decisions.” That philosophy reflects a broader transformation happening across agriculture, where advances in sequencing technology, computational biology, machine learning, and environmental data are making breeding increasingly predictive rather than purely observational. Curiosity Before Technology Despite publishing scientific papers, presenting internationally, and earning conference awards early in his career, Sengupta doesn’t attribute his success to technical ability alone. “I think one of the biggest factors that drives me is curiosity and consistency,” he says. “Research can be challenging because results don’t always work the way you want them to work, but having this curiosity kind of helps you stay motivated.” That curiosity extends well beyond the laboratory. Conferences, outreach, teaching, and leadership roles have all become essential parts of his development as a scientist. “A lot of growth happens outside the regular coursework or experiments,” he says. Yet he also offers a note of caution for young researchers eager to embrace every new technology. “As young researchers, we naturally get excited about new technologies,” Sengupta says. “But sometimes that can lead to a situation where we almost have a solution looking for a problem.” Instead, he believes the science should always begin with the biological question. “It’s better to start with the important biological or agricultural questions first,” he says. “Technology is a tool. It’s not the final objective of your work.” Bridging Biology and Data Modern plant scientists increasingly work at the intersection of field biology and computational science. For Sengupta, success depends on understanding both. “Agriculture is ultimately field-driven,” he says. “At the same time, genomics and computational biology are giving us incredibly powerful tools to understand plant traits at a much deeper level. We need both perspectives working hand in hand with each other.” That balance ensures that sophisticated genomic predictions remain grounded in real-world agricultural challenges rather than existing only on a computer screen. Science That Farmers Can Use Equally important is communication. “Research only creates impact when people understand and apply it,” Sengupta says. “As researchers, we often work with highly technical concepts, but ultimately our work affects farmers, industry, policymakers, students, and the public.” It’s why he has devoted time to teaching, graduate student leadership, mentoring, and outreach throughout his academic career. Explaining science clearly, he believes, makes both the research—and the researcher—better. Looking Ahead As sequencing becomes less expensive and computational tools become more accessible, Sengupta believes plant genomics is entering a new era. “We are entering a period where plant science is becoming far more precise, predictive, and connected than ever before,” he says. The implications extend well beyond any single crop. “Plant genomics will not solve everything on its own,” Sengupta says, “but I believe it will be one of the most important tools that helps agriculture adapt to the challenges that we are facing in the real world right now.” Looking ahead, he sees enormous promise in the convergence of genomics, artificial intelligence, and increasingly accessible sequencing technologies. “We are entering a period where plant science is becoming far more precise, predictive, and connected than ever before,” he says. “Advances in plant genomics are giving us the ability to understand crops at an incredibly detailed level—from individual genes all the way to how plants interact with changing environments.” Those advances, he believes, won’t simply produce better crops. They could reshape how agriculture responds to some of its biggest challenges, from climate change to global food security. “Plant genomics will not solve everything on its own,” Anirup says, “but I believe it will be one of the most important tools that helps agriculture adapt to the challenges we are facing in the real world right now.” The Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship is made possible by Alberta Grains, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, FP Genetics, HyTech Production, Richardson, SaskWheat Development Commission, SeCan, Seeds Canada, Seed World Canada, and Warburtons. The post The Scholarship Winner Helping Rewrite the Future of Crop Genetics appeared first on Seed World.

From his early studies in China to leading oat breeding efforts in Canada, Yan has built a career dedicated to helping breeders make better decisions and develop stronger crops for changing environments. Few people embody that reality better than Dr. Weikai Yan, recipient of the 2026 Plant Breeding and Genetics Award, sponsored by Seed World Canada and Seeds Canada. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Yan has worked across China, the United States and Canada, building a reputation not only as an accomplished oat breeder but also as one of the world’s leading experts on genotype-by-environment interaction — the complex relationship between genetics and growing conditions that influences crop performance. Yan’s journey into plant breeding began in China, where he studied plant breeding as an undergraduate before pursuing graduate studies and working alongside some of the country’s leading crop scientists. Opportunities at Cornell University and later the University of Guelph deepened his interest in genotype-by-environment interaction, a field that would become central to his research career. Since joining Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ottawa, Yan has helped lead Canada’s oat breeding efforts while developing analytical tools and methodologies that have been adopted by plant breeders around the world. While many researchers are best known for either the varieties they develop or the scientific advances they create, Yan points to both as defining contributions. His breeding program has released numerous oat cultivars adapted to different production regions, while his research has helped breeders better understand how crops respond to varying environments and management conditions. Looking ahead, Yan sees technologies such as genomic selection, phenomics and artificial intelligence playing increasingly important roles in crop improvement. These tools, he says, can help breeders make better decisions earlier in the breeding process and improve the efficiency of breeding programs. At the same time, he believes technology will complement—not replace—the expertise of plant breeders. “Human plant breeders are still essential,” Yan says. “They have to ask the right questions and judge whether the results are valid.” Despite advances in technology, Yan says one challenge remains unchanged: the need for long-term investment. Plant breeding requires patience, sustained funding and a commitment to future outcomes. As climate variability increases and expectations from growers and end users continue to rise, that commitment will become even more important. Yan’s career serves as a reminder that plant breeding is about more than developing new varieties. It is about creating knowledge, building tools and helping future generations of breeders solve increasingly complex challenges. The post A Lifetime in Plant Breeding: Dr. Weikai Yan Honoured for Four Decades of Scientific Leadership appeared first on Seed World.

A single-star evaluation helped save a breeding line that would go on to transform yellow pea production across Western Canada. Some crop varieties achieve instant success. Others succeed because someone gave them one more chance. That was the case for CDC Meadow, the yellow pea variety developed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) and named 2026 Seed of the Year. Released in 2006, CDC Meadow went on to become one of the most widely grown yellow pea varieties in Canadian history, helping drive the growth of Canada’s pulse industry for nearly two decades. According to breeder Dr. Tom Warkentin, the variety’s commercial uptake was remarkably fast. After seed multiplication, CDC Meadow became the most widely grown yellow pea variety in Western Canada by 2011. While it initially gained traction in Saskatchewan, Alberta eventually became its strongest market thanks in part to its slightly earlier maturity. The story of CDC Meadow began long before its release. The original cross was made in 1996 by Dr. Bert Vandenberg, years before Warkentin joined the CDC. From there, the breeding line moved through years of testing and selection, supported by researchers, technical staff, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and seed growers across the Prairies. But the variety nearly didn’t make it. Two years before entering cooperative trials, the breeding line — known then as 6538 — had a solid but unspectacular season. Warkentin’s evaluation gave it one star instead of two, enough to keep it moving forward. Had it received no stars, it likely would have been discarded. The following year, it rose to the top of the trial results. “It’s sort of okay, but not outstanding in that one particular year,” Warkentin recalled. “The next year it was right at the top of the pack.” Today, CDC Meadow is recognized not only for its commercial success but also for what it represents about plant breeding. While modern breeders now use tools such as DNA markers, near-infrared spectroscopy, and genomic selection, Warkentin says the fundamentals remain the same: making crosses, evaluating thousands of plots, and selecting the best material in the field. Looking ahead, one of the biggest priorities for pea breeding is improving resistance to root rot diseases, particularly Aphanomyces root rot. Warkentin says several promising lines are currently advancing through trials and could help improve resistance while maintaining the yield and quality growers expect. For young breeders hoping to develop the next breakthrough variety, his advice is straightforward: get out of the office and into the field. “Don’t miss a season. Don’t miss a crossing cycle. Just keep at it.” CDC Meadow’s recognition as the 2026 Seed of the Year is a fitting tribute to a variety that helped shape Canadian pea production. And perhaps the most remarkable part of its story is that it all hinged on a single decision—a breeding line that earned one star instead of none. Sometimes innovation only needs one more chance. The post How CDC Meadow Became One of Canada’s Most Successful Yellow Pea Varieties appeared first on Seed World.

Canada’s wheat and barley breeding system is facing a critical turning point, as major farm organizations, universities and industry stakeholders are discussing the optimal future for cereal breeding in Western Canada. This month, a coalition that includes the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), the Canadian Barley Research Coalition, Seeds Canada and Prairie universities released a joint vision statement calling for stronger collaboration, long-term investment and greater integration of advanced breeding technologies. The effort comes amid growing concern about Canada’s ability to maintain public breeding capacity and remain competitive in global crop innovation. Industry groups have warned that cuts to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research capacity could threaten the country’s long-term position in wheat breeding. At the centre of the discussion is a key question: how can Canada continue delivering the next generation of high-performing wheat and barley varieties farmers need to stay profitable and competitive? For Jocelyn Velestuk, chair of the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition and a Saskatchewan farmer, the answer starts with collaboration. “We had all the major players in the wheat breeding sector at the table, which is a really important step as we move forward,” Velestuk says on the latest episode of the Seed World Canada podcast. The resulting vision statement and guiding principles outline priorities including attracting public and private investment, improving farmer choice and ensuring sustainable returns on investment. Velestuk says the conversation is especially important at a time when farmers are dealing with tight margins, evolving pest pressures and increasing production risks. “We need a wheat breeding innovation system in Canada that can keep up with that and really keep providing those tools to farmers,” she says, pointing to innovations such as midge-tolerant wheat as examples of the value modern breeding can deliver. While the long-term structure of the system is still being discussed, industry leaders say more stakeholders will be brought into the conversation in the months ahead. The broader goal is to build a system capable of attracting talent, supporting innovation and delivering measurable results for producers. Despite the challenges, Velestuk remains optimistic. “An inflection point is how I look at it,” she said. “We’re at a point right now where we can make those changes and create something better.” The post Why Canadian Farmers are Leading Discussions on a New Wheat Breeding Model appeared first on Seed World.

The vice chair of the House agriculture committee says witness testimony made it clear: planned federal research facility closures would have lasting impacts on Canadian agriculture.  The future of agricultural research in Canada is facing a critical moment — and a new report from the House of Commons agriculture committee is putting that debate squarely in the spotlight. On the latest episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, Alberta MP and vice chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food John Barlow explains why committee members from all parties came together to recommend reversing planned closures of several Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities.  According to Barlow, the committee’s recommendation was driven by overwhelming testimony from industry stakeholders, researchers, and witnesses who warned that shutting down these facilities could have lasting consequences for Canadian agriculture. Witnesses argued the closures would weaken innovation, reduce competitiveness, and even threaten food security. The concern, Barlow explains, was nearly unanimous among those who appeared before the committee.  One of the biggest issues raised during hearings was the loss of long-term, location-specific research. Many of the facilities targeted for closure have been conducting work for decades in regions chosen for their unique soil types, climates, and agricultural conditions. Witnesses stressed that this kind of research cannot simply be moved elsewhere without losing valuable continuity and relevance. The committee also heard concerns about losing experienced scientists and the institutional knowledge built over generations.  But the conversation goes beyond simply keeping buildings open. The committee also discussed how federal research dollars could be used more effectively, how innovation outcomes should be measured, and how research could better translate into commercial opportunities for Canadian agriculture. Barlow notes that stakeholders repeatedly emphasized the need for clearer benchmarks, stronger accountability, and better pathways for turning public research into market-ready innovation.  Now, attention turns to the federal government’s response. Ottawa has 45 days to answer to the committee’s recommendations, and Barlow says he hopes the first step will be an immediate pause on the planned closures while the government reassesses its decision. The report, supported by members from all parties — sends what Barlow describes as a united message about the importance of preserving Canada’s agricultural research capacity.  The post John Barlow on the Fight to Save Canada’s Ag Research Facilities appeared first on Seed World.

Why promising research fails to reach the market, and what leaders say needs to change. Canada isn’t struggling to generate ideas. It’s struggling to make them matter. That’s the core challenge facing the country’s seed and ag innovation system, according to Nancy Tout, interim CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS). “We’re incredibly strong at generating innovation,” Tout says. “But we need to spend more time thinking about the output side of that equation.” Canada’s ecosystem is packed with strengths — universities, public breeding programs, private companies. But those assets aren’t translating into impact at the pace they should. The issue isn’t capability. It’s connection. The Gap Between Discovery and Delivery Tout points to the “valley of death” (the gap between research success and real-world adoption) as a persistent weak spot. “An integrated system looks at discovery right through to commercialization,” she says. “Right now, we have a fractured system that works really well together, but we’re only as strong as the sum of our parts.” Canada excels at funding research. But too often, promising ideas stall before reaching farmers. “We have a disproportionate focus on the input side,” Tout says. “Where we’re falling short is delivering impact into the marketplace.” Strong Pieces, Weak System The challenge is structural. Canada’s innovation ecosystem is made up of high-performing but disconnected parts. “I often think about our system as full of rich assets,” Tout says. “But if you look at it as a whole pipeline, from discovery through delivery, you operate in a different mindset.” Without that system-wide view, efforts to fix gaps risk being rushed and fragmented. “I worry we’re trying to solve things too quickly with a short-term lens,” she says. “We may make decisions that don’t have long-term impact.” What Gets Measured Matters One of the most overlooked issues, Tout argues, is measurement. “Turning innovation into real-world impact starts with system-wide measurements and KPIs aligned to that impact,” she says. Without shared metrics, different parts of the system optimize for different outcomes. “If we’re measuring different things, we’re incentivizing different behaviors,” she adds. “And ultimately funding different results.” From Good to Great Canada isn’t starting from zero. In fact, its strength is part of the problem. “We’re all doing good things,” Tout says. “But we need to move from good to great.” The opportunity lies in better leveraging what already exists — talent, infrastructure, and data — across institutional and provincial boundaries. A more modern approach to innovation, she adds, also means building interdisciplinary teams that go beyond traditional models. Designing for Impact For Tout, the path forward comes down to intentional design. “We need to intentionally fund that valley of death, not just discovery,” she says. “And align incentives from discovery through to impact.” That includes stronger public-private-producer collaboration and a clearer focus on execution, not just ideas. A Shared Purpose Ultimately, the shift is as much cultural as it is structural. “We have to build intentional bridges,” Tout says. “When people see a shared opportunity, they rally around it.” That starts with a common goal; one that pushes beyond institutional silos. “We have to figure out something bigger than the sum of our parts,” she says. “When we create space for ideas and data to flow, great things can happen.” The post The “Valley of Death” in Canadian Ag Innovation appeared first on Seed World.

In the latest Seed World Podcast, Reinheimer explains why Canada risks falling behind globally — and what must change to protect innovation. Canada has long punched above its weight in plant breeding — especially in wheat, where its global reputation for quality and performance is firmly established. But as Jason Reinheimer explains in this week’s Seed World Podcast, past success doesn’t guarantee future leadership. In a timely and thought-provoking conversation, Reinheimer — currently head of cereals and pulses research at Limagrain Field Seeds and soon to be CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security — unpacks a growing challenge: Canada’s innovation system is at a crossroads. While Canadian breeding has historically been driven by strong public investment, that model is under pressure. Tightening budgets and limited mechanisms for private return are making the country less attractive for global investment compared to competitors like Australia, France and Germany. The result? Fewer companies, fewer opportunities, and increasing risk of talent and innovation flowing elsewhere. Reinheimer points to a clear global trend: when public funding declines, successful breeding nations adopt value capture systems that allow breeders to earn a return on their innovations. Canada, he argues, has the tools — including models like the Variety Use Agreement — but needs the will to act. The stakes are high. Without change, Canada risks falling behind not because of a lack of expertise, but because of hesitation. This episode goes beyond theory. It’s a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to happen next — from industry leadership to farmer engagement — to secure the future of plant breeding innovation in Canada. The post Canada’s Plant Breeding System at a Crossroads, Says Incoming GIFS CEO Jason Reinheimer appeared first on Seed World.

Balancing tradition and innovation remains the key challenge in building a sustainable breeding ecosystem. Canada’s top plant breeders’ rights official is stepping onto the global stage — and he’s bringing a clear message about innovation with him to the new episode of the Seed World Canada podcast. Anthony Parker, commissioner of Canada’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Office, has been named the new president of UPOV, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. For Parker, the role is both a personal milestone and a chance to reinforce the importance of intellectual property in agriculture at a time of rapid technological change. UPOV’s core mission — promoting plant variety protection — remains central to driving investment, competition and food security, Parker says. But its longevity comes from its ability to evolve alongside science. From genetic modification to gene editing, the organization continually updates its frameworks to reflect new realities while maintaining incentives for innovation. That adaptability is already showing results in Canada. Strengthened plant breeders’ rights and policy changes, such as accepting foreign data, have helped unlock significant growth in sectors like greenhouse vegetables, where applications for new varieties have surged dramatically. Still, challenges remain. One of the biggest is balancing long-standing farm practices, like saving seed, with the need to ensure breeders are fairly compensated. Parker emphasizes that sustainable innovation depends on shifting mindsets and building systems that reward investment from both public and private sectors. Change, however, can’t be rushed. Parker stresses that meaningful progress requires collaboration across producers, breeders and policymakers — and the patience to get it right. In the end, the future of agricultural innovation won’t be shaped by science alone, but by the policies, incentives and shared understanding that support it. The post Innovation in Agriculture Depends on Plant Breeders’ Rights, Says UPOV President appeared first on Seed World.

From relocation decisions to talent retention, Lori Oatway of Western Crop Innovations outlines the human side of research system changes. News of the planned closure of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lacombe research station earlier this year is prompting reflection across Canada’s agricultural sector, particularly around research capacity, collaboration and long-term expertise. In a new Seed World Podcast conversation, Lori Oatway, quality research scientist with Western Crop Innovations (WCI) in Lacombe, Alta., shares how the change is being felt at both a professional and community level. Oatway, who both lives and works in Lacombe, said the news was difficult given the longstanding relationships tied to the station. “These are people that we’ve worked with for 30 years, maybe even longer,” she says. “They’re friends, they’re colleagues… it’s a huge blow to our community.” She noted that Canada’s agricultural research system is highly interconnected. Research conducted at one location often supports programs across the country, making closures difficult to absorb. “We don’t just stand alone; our research goes throughout Canada,” she explains. “We don’t know how we’re going to replace that, or the people.” The timing adds complexity. After several years of transition, Western Crop Innovations has recently reached a more stable footing, with clearer funding and direction. At the same time, the Lacombe closure introduces new uncertainty. “We feel like we’re in a spot where we see a path forward,” Oatway says. “And then this comes, and you’re kind of asking all over again — how are we going to make this work?” A key concern is the potential loss of expertise built over decades. Oatway emphasizes that research programs rely heavily on people, not just infrastructure. “We’re hoping there’s a path forward for most of them,” she says. “Because these programs have taken decades to build.” Oatway also brings a producer perspective. Alongside her husband, she grows seed in Lacombe, helping move new varieties from breeder seed into commercial production. That connection reinforces the importance of practical outcomes. “It’s not just your farm — it’s everybody’s farm,” she says. “You have to think beyond what works for you.” The closure is also affecting individuals directly, as researchers consider whether to relocate or leave their roles. That reality raises broader questions about the future of agricultural careers in Canada. “Agriculture is a small community,” Oatway says. “But is it getting too small? Where are the opportunities for young people coming in?” While the full impact of the closure is still unfolding, the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a strong, connected research system to support innovation across Canadian agriculture. To hear more from Lori Oatway, listen to the full conversation on the Seed World Podcast. The post Lacombe Closure Puts Spotlight on Canada’s Agricultural Research Workforce appeared first on Seed World.

Dan Wright explains why current models are falling short — and how new approaches like the Variety Use Agreement could change the game. Canada’s seed industry is at a crossroads—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. At the Prairie Grain Development Committee meetings, new Seeds Canada CEO Dan Wright didn’t mince words: without better funding for innovation, Canadian farmers risk falling behind globally. So what’s the solution? The Real Problem No One Talks About Plant breeders are doing the hard work developing higher-yielding, disease-resistant crops, but they’re often only paid once for their innovation. After that? Farmers can reuse seed, and breeders see little return. That’s a problem when: Disease pressure is increasing Crop challenges are getting tougher Innovation is more expensive than ever  A New Approach: The VUA Enter the Variety Use Agreement (VUA). It’s simple: Farmers can still save seed But if they reuse it, they pay a small royalty Breeders get paid as long as their product delivers value Think of it as a pay-for-performance model for seed innovation.  Why This Matters Right Now Global companies are watching Canada. If they can’t capture value here, they may invest elsewhere. And that means: Fewer new varieties Slower innovation Canadian farmers losing their competitive edge  The Bottom Line There’s no silver bullet, but doing nothing isn’t an option. The future of Canadian agriculture depends on: Smarter funding models Industry-wide collaboration And real conversations—happening right now  Want the full story?Hear Dan Wright break it down on the latest Seed World podcast. The post Seed Innovation in Canada: The Funding Problem No One Can Ignore appeared first on Seed World.