News
Seed of the Year expanding across Canada

March 14, 2008

Guelph, ON  -Seed of the Year is an initiative recognizing Canadian public seed breeders. Through the program’s application process, public breeders are encouraged to highlight their research accomplishments in developing a new variety of field crops, forages, fruits, vegetables and herbs.

This year the competition is expanding nationally. Applications from across Canada will be considered. Finalists from eastern and western Canada will be selected, and one winner from each will be named.

Also this year, nominations will remain on file for three years and be re-nominated automatically and reviewed for consideration as a Seed of the Year finalist.

In this competition, varieties are evaluated on their performance, presence in the value chain, sustainability, marketability, innovation, end use potential, overall impact and contribution to the Canadian agri-food industry.

Seed of the Year was designed by the University of Guelph and SeCan with support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Additional sponsorship has been provided by various commodity boards each year.

The program has several key objectives such as honouring the accomplishments of public seed breeders and their varieties, and increasing the knowledge of the importance of public breeding programs in Canada. Ultimately, it aims to acknowledge the contributions of these varieties on the agri-food sector.

Finalists will be honoured at the Seed of the Year recognition event at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in November. The winners will be unveiled at this time. The varieties will be showcased for industry professionals, media, farming community members, academic community, and aspiring plant breeders.