News
New sunflower seed development funding

June 25, 2014 - The federal government and the government of Manitoba are investing over $1.8 million with the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) to develop new seed varieties and boost sunflower acreage in Western Canada.

The NSAC will receive over $1.2 million from the federal AgriInnovation Program and $320,000 from the cost-shared Growing Innovation - Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative to support the development of adaptable, disease resistant and herbicide tolerant, confection sunflower hybrids that meet the needs of international markets and demands from growers. The varieties will be adaptable to growing conditions in the Prairies, adding an additional cash crop to field rotations.

Canada exported $35 million worth of sunflower seeds in 2013.

Established in 1996, the NSAC is a non-for profit, producer-funded organization that works on behalf of 600 sunflower growers in Canada to promote and expand the industry, both internationally and domestically.

June 27, 2014  By Top Crop Manager