Grainswest - Spring 2023

Spring 2023 Grains West 32 FEATURE KOFI AGBLOR PROMISE AND OPPORTUNITY GW: How will the FCDC strategic plan guide its transformation? Kofi Agblor: The FCDC strategic plan has six drivers. The first is to be externally facing. The second is to be market responsive. The focus is on meeting the needs of the industry. We will perform research with clear direction from the industry. The third is to expand service delivery. Fourth will be to increase funding. The fifth is to create a high-performance workplace culture and the sixth is to be recognized for scientific expertise. GW: How will these goals be realized? KA: A business plan with five operational areas will accomplish this. The first is partnerships and markets— increasing the number of varieties that are commercialized and increasing the licensing partners to create more collaborations with Olds College. The second is breeding. Building a centre of excellence in barley and triticale breeding will transform the sector. It is also to increase the number of acres of FCDC varieties while shortening the breeding cycle. The third area is support for research capacity and expertise necessary to support the needs of breeders and breeding programs. Fourth is operations; we’re looking at implementing smart ag technologies to drive greater efficiencies in field, plot and farm operations. And to modernize the capital assets we have for efficiency, as well as to ensure we can get to the 24-month reduction in the variety production cycle. The fifth is people and culture—increase staff engagement and satisfaction to attract and retain talent. GW: What will it take to achieve these goals and become that centre of excellence? KA: We will diversify funding sources and expand collaborations with Olds College and other educational institutions, government organizations and private sector entities. The second part is to have a beneficial impact on the barley and triticale industry. By 2030, we want to see most triticale, feed, forage and malt barley acres in Alberta be produced with varieties developed at FCDC. If I talk about CDC, everyone knows what this is, because its varieties are on farmers’ fields. That is what FCDC must do. At the end of the day, we will be known for the contributions we make for the farmer and the value chain. No amount of science that we do here will be recognized unless it translates into utility. And this is the shift we are making now for the Centre. We will develop farm-ready cultivars—highly competitive varieties that are among the best out there. I want our stakeholders to see FCDC as different. The Centre is celebrating 50 years, and there is a history there. But to also look at the transformation and the momentum going on at Olds College with the digital side of agriculture. I would like cereal growers to look at the FCDC and see promise and opportunity. GW: What do you want the agriculture sector to know about FCDC? KA: I want our stakeholders, especially barley growers, to see FCDC as an opportunity. This is the time to engage with us, to look at making investments, because the future will rely on seed that is best adapted to your farm. Look at the programming we have at hand now in partnership with Olds College, and see the promise that we have in meeting the needs of farmers across Western Canada. JASON LENZ BIGGER, BETTER BARLEY GW: You are vice-chair of the Alberta Wheat Commission, former Alberta Barley chair and you farm near FCDC. As vice-chair of its steering committee, why did you want to become involved with its transition? Jason Lenz: Back in 1973, my grandfather was on the founding committee. During my time as chair and director for Alberta Barley, I worked closely with the Centre. I’m an interested observer and stakeholder. Several farmers sat on the committee, and that was a good step in creating focus for the Centre. A lot of farmers have helped the Centre by providing feedback. This let Olds College know how FCDC can create value and reach even higher than it has. The leadership and staff are very capable. GW: What would you like to see FCDC focus on? JL: As a farmer, I want to see FCDC varieties registered and commercialized. Right now, FCDC doesn’t have as big a market share in varieties that are commercially grown as compared to the other two main barley breeding centres in Western Canada—CDC and the Brandon Research and Development Centre in Manitoba. Friendly, collaborative competition between breeding centres and individual breeders can only be a positive for barley farmers. Barley breeder Flavio Capettini has been at FCDC 10 years, and his