GrainsWest Spring 2020

Spring 2020 Grains West 34 The Alberta Seed Guide , produced by the Alberta Seed Growers (ASG) association, addresses seed industry issues and features the results of new variety trials. Used primarily by farmers to gauge which crop varieties are best for their farms, Whiting pointed out it can also be a source of market direction information for seed growers. “Most growers get a variety when it first comes out, before it’s in the Seed Guide ,” he said. “But it may give growers an indication that you made a good choice.” If a new seed variety featured in the Alberta Seed Guide shows impressive qualities, farmers are more inclined to pick it up. Unlike farmers who produce food or feed, certified seed growers don’t have the option to spray glyphosate close to harvest or dry seed at high heat, as this can negatively affect the seed embryo, preventing growth. With these challenges, why would anyone become a seed grower? “Returns are a little higher, and it’s definitely an important part of the value chain,” said Whiting. VALUE PROPOSITION Value creation remains a hot topic in the seed-growing sphere as it directly involves variety development and breeding programs. The evolving industry discussion is a concern for seed growers, said Renee Hoyme, ASG board president and a seed grower herself. “Advancements in the industry need to be paid for somehow. We need to have access to new technology and become more competitive on an international scale,” she said. Development of new seed varieties is now bankrolledmainly by farmer check- offs and government funding. Two value creation models have been proposed for the industry by the Grains Roundtable, which is composed of representatives of the entire value chain. The first model is the collection of an endpoint royalty when grain is delivered to a buyer, the second, a contract systemwherein farmers pay a trailing royalty if they save seed. Improving the investment pool is key, according to Derkatch. “The right collection system can foster additional investment in plant breeding in Canada and could benefit all types of breeding programs: public, private, large or small, and in any crop type that doesn’t yet have an existing and sustainable commercialization mechanism,” he said. Creating further funding mechanisms is key for ASG and its members. “We knew we couldn’t always depend on government funding or subsidies,” said Hoyme, explaining that while provincial and federal governments contribute to seed growing, it’s not always enough. While reaching consensus on the issue may take time, the entire seed growing sector agrees plant breeding and variety testing must continue to foster innovation and produce the high-quality crops Canada is known for. MAINTAINING THE NATIONAL BRAND This high-quality Canadian agricultural brand instills confidence in international crop purchasers. The Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA), parent to provincial associations, oversees seed certification and requirements. In addition, CSGA works with provincial groups to carry out advocacy and development. Scott Horner, CSGA seed grower director and general manager of HyTech Production of Coaldale, said Canada’s robust certification system is part of the reason the country’s crops have a solid international reputation. SPRING2020 Advancing Seed in Alberta From cold pressed canola oil and oat and pulse starches and protein, to microbreweries and craft distilleries, value-added opportunities are thriving in Alberta. PROVIDED INPARTNERSHIPBY THEALBERTASEEDGROWERSANDTHEALBERTASEEDPROCESSORS BEYOND the FARMGATE VALUE and ENTERPRISE TIPS for TREATING PULSES YOUR 2020 PEST OUTLOOK KEEPING BLACKLEG AT BAY FEATURE The Alberta SeedGuide provides farmers with a wealth of information about available seed varieties.