Canadian grain farmers face unpredictable weather, rising costs and global market shifts. What keeps them competitive is progress, which often starts with plant breeding. The ability to grow higher-yielding crops, use fewer inputs and adapt to climate and pest pressures requires years of research, breeding and testing.

Built on strong variety development, Canadian grain has a solid reputation for high quality. However, industry experts increasingly warn this has been put at risk by waning investment, a cumbersome variety registration process and plant breeders’ rights that are often criticized as weak.