Calgary, Alberta, Canada
September 8, 2014
As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation in Canadian agriculture, Bayer CropScience broke ground today on its new Wheat Breeding Centre. The facility is being established to research wheat breeding with a focus on yield, disease resistance and other agronomic benefits, to develop seed varieties that can be utilized by Canadian farmers.
“Continued investment in wheat breeding programs is critical to providing Canadian farmers with the solutions they need to meet growing demands for wheat and to further increase their competitive edge in the global market environment,” said Dr. Marcus Weidler, Seeds Business Operations Manager for Bayer CropScience. “Our new state-of-the-art Wheat Breeding Centre will be a significant step forward, giving Bayer CropScience the ability to develop the best suited varieties and hybrids for the Canadian farmers.”
The site, located 25 minutes Southwest of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in the rural municipality of Montrose, was chosen due to its proximity to a variety of different growing regions and conditions in Western Canada. It is recognized as the heartland of wheat production in Canada, with all classes of wheat represented. The Centre is part of Bayer CropScience’s ongoing investment in Canadian agriculture following the expansion of its Canola Breeding Centre of Innovation in 2009.
“The Wheat Breeding Centre is essential to ensuring that Canadian farmers and valued chain partners have the tools they need to compete globally, by breeding the best germplasm combined with the latest technology,” said Kamel Beliazi, President and CEO of Bayer CropScience Inc.
Completion of the facility is currently slated for July 2015, with the first phase to include laboratories, office spaces, equipment and seed storage, and workshops. When the first phase is complete, a total of 15 to 20 full-time and seasonal staff members will be employed.
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