Wheat demand continues to increase

Jan 23, 2023

The global appetite for wheat has been on a steady upward trend for the past two decades or so.

That, combined with the war in Ukraine and dry conditions affecting production in some major wheat exporting nations, should set the table for continued support of global wheat prices.

“We’ve had this situation where (global) production has been outstripped by usage for the last several years,” said Chuck Penner, market analyst with LeftField Commodity Research.

“When that happens, you have global wheat stocks declining.”

In a recent wheat market outlook presentation at CropWeek in Saskatoon, Penner painted a generally favourable supply and demand picture that should have Canadian wheat sellers feeling confident about the direction of wheat prices in the months ahead.

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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.