Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) and Limagrain Field Seeds have announced a new collaboration for pulse breeding in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The collaboration will have a strong commercial focus, bringing additional investment into pea and lentil breeding in Saskatchewan and creating an environment to foster innovation in the area.
Farmers’ priorities are at the forefront of the breeding programme, with areas of focus including resistance to root disease, increased protein content and overall improvements in yield performance.
“We are excited about this new direction in pulse breeding for farmers in Saskatchewan. It is important to continue fostering innovation and competition in pulse breeding and to bring new perspectives to challenging on-farm issues like root rots and herbicide resistance,” said Shaun Dyrland, chair of the SPG Board of Directors.
“We believe this new collaboration with Limagrain on pulse breeding will allow for targeting grower priorities and ensuring that growers’ direction and voices are at the table helping to drive new varieties.”
The new Limagrain breeding and research programme will be based in Saskatoon, where a dedicated pulse breeding team will be created. Technology-driven, the collaboration will lead to higher-performing varieties being made available more quickly.
“Limagrain is very committed to producing plant-based proteins. Saskatchewan is at the heart of global pulse production, so it makes perfect sense for Limagrain Field Seeds to extend its existing cereal breeding research in Saskatoon, and to now include these two pulse crops reinforcing our commitment to Saskatchewan,” remarked Régis Fournier, CEO of Limagrain Field Seeds.
“Collaboration is a core value for Limagrain and partnering with SPG, a fellow farmer-led organization is a crucially important component.”
The collaboration sees both companies sharing the upfront costs, with future royalties being shared. SPG will provide input on breeding priorities, ensuring that farmers’ voices are driving the goals.
