U of C Receives Funds for Genomics Work on Field Peas

Sep 07, 2023

As part the Genome Canada-led Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (CSAFS) initiative the University of Calgary will receive funding to use state-of-the-art genomic technologies to increase the quality, profitability and resilience of field peas, a Sept. 6 news release said.

The release noted increased uptake of field peas in crop rotations reduces nitrogen fertilizer use and can lead to a 22 to 37 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to economic growth, jobs and exports.

“Corteva Agriscience is committed to climate smart cropping systems and we are thrilled to join the PeaCE research team and advance pea breeding through our phenotyping and analytics infrastructure,” Sara Lira, senior research scientist with Corteva Agriscience, said in the release.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.