The Seed Community Surrounds WCI, Preparing for the Future
Key players in the seed industry, such as SeedNet, SaskBarley, and Alberta Grains, are joining the Western Crop Innovations table.
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is attracting significant interest from new members as more players in the seed sector come together to help chart a roadmap for the organization. Previously known as the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC), WCI hosted its inaugural field day at AgSmart in Olds, Alberta, at the end of July. The event showcased research innovations, including the only selected breeding programs for triticale and feed/barley products in Western Canada.
Mark Olson, the interim executive director of WCI, states, “We have an experienced team that has weathered many ups and downs over the years. My goal was to secure their future and lay the groundwork for stability and trust.” Olson continues to collaborate with staff and suppliers to establish WCI as an independent organization poised for new opportunities. WCI is engaging in preliminary discussions within the industry regarding breeding, as well as agriculture and extension services, to address service gaps in Alberta and beyond.
“The transition may be challenging, but establishing early relationships with stakeholders is vital,” says Olson. “Assuring them that we have a clear plan and vision and that their support is invaluable truly forms the foundation of our strategy.” Since its establishment on April 1, WCI has welcomed new members, including SaskBarley, Alberta Grains, and SeedNet, with Alberta Beef Producers joining as well. These partnerships are crucial for WCI’s future, with more announcements expected soon.
Jeff Jackson, the general manager of SeedNet, recognizes the critical importance of breeding regionally adapted varieties. He understands the implications of losing this capability for farmers. “For me, the primary outcome is competitiveness,” he says. “There is a global market that Canadian farmers face, and if we lack varieties suited to our climate, pests, and other threats in Western Canada, our producers could struggle to compete on a global scale.”
SeedNet’s new membership in WCI is a strategic move to enhance this competitiveness. In an interview at AgSmart, Jackson emphasized the broader value of this collaboration. “It’s about ensuring we have the right varieties or cultivars that perform when needed, adding value to the entire supply chain from seeds to end-users,” he says. This partnership aims not only to benefit SeedNet but also to support local producers and the entire agricultural ecosystem.
Jackson sees gradual improvements in barley and triticale varieties as key to future success for retail customers and farmers. “Goals like increased drought resistance and yield stability regardless of weather patterns will provide significant value to producers,” he explains.
By focusing on strategic partnerships and targeted breeding, WCI aims to ensure that Western Canadian producers remain competitive and resilient in the global marketplace, according to Olson. “We need industry support to demonstrate to key funding sources, like the Alberta Government and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), that the sector stands behind us to shape our business and scientific plans,” he says. “This support is vital for shaping our future business and scientific strategies.”
Source: Tarım Haberleri
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.