Maximizing a crop’s output may begin with high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, but the team at FP Genetics believes that is just scratching the surface.
“It all begins with identifying the challenges farmers face,” says Michelle Beaith, director of research and development. “We work closely with our sales team, who engage with growers to gather valuable feedback that shapes the direction of our research. We then pinpoint the specific traits that matter most to those who depend on our products.”
FP Genetics, one of Canada’s largest seed growers and genetic developers, invests in variety development programs that focus on providing a continuous stream of innovative genetics to Prairie farmers.
Beaith guides the R&D team as they strive to deliver high-quality product. She says that collaboration and knowledge-sharing is the key to pinpointing the best traits, and in turn, providing the best varieties.
Bringing the best genetic traits to Canadian farmers
Nathan Penner, director of commercialization, says his goal is to ensure the best genetic traits from around the world are evaluated and brought to Canadian farmers.
“FP Genetics is a strong supporter of Canadian breeding organizations, and most of our genetics come from these domestic institutions,” says Penner. “However, when local sources don’t address the challenges our farmers face, we expand our search to northern regions with climates similar to Canada, such as the United States and Europe.”
Using international genetic research allows the R&D team to access traits that helps our varieties reach a higher ceiling.
“Once we have a clear direction, we dive into local and global pools of germplasm, searching for potential candidates,” says Beaith. “The most promising selections undergo rigorous adaptation trials where collaboration, precision, efficiency and foresight are key.”
In 2025 alone, Beaith says FP Genetics tested nine crop types including cereals, pulses and corn in 43 replicated trials across 18 locations in Western Canada, along with pea and wheat breeding trials.
“The process is demanding and complex,” she says. “It’s exhilarating pushing boundaries.”
Each variety is rigorously tested and refined to ensure it’s perfectly suited to Canadian conditions, so it doesn’t just perform, it excels.
“We maintain very high standards for inclusion in our portfolio, and not all candidates make it to market,” says Penner. “A new variety must improve what’s currently available. Those that don’t meet our criteria are rejected. Varieties that make the cut represent significant victories for Canadian agriculture because they’re designed to help farmers maintain their competitive edge in an ever-evolving global marketplace.”
Attention to detail brings results
There are certain key components each variety must have to hit the market. The small details matter because little things can make a big difference in the field.
“Yield is always a primary focus, but depending on the crop, we also examine critical factors such as days to flowering, days to maturity, lodging, height and disease resistance,” says Beaith.
“Living proof is our leading Canada Western Red Spring Wheat variety AAC Hockley,” she says. “We wanted to introduce a high-yielding, short-stated variety with great standability, and we delivered. AAC Walsh will soon be the number one choice for intensive CWRS production acres.”
Trials conducted at different sites across Western Canada put each variety to the test against different climates, conditions and soils to get an understanding of which genetics suit each situation.
As farmers know, growing conditions and results can vary from field to field. Beaith says FP Genetics provides a variety of options for growers to provide a tailored solution for each situation.
“Every decision, every trial, every data point matters, because we know our success is intrinsically linked to the success of seed growers and commercial farmers,” says Beaith. “Our focus is on delivering niche solutions to address the unique challenges growers face.”
Beaith and Penner both hope the company’s innovative and reliable genetics and varieties help growers thrive among the ever-changing conditions and markets.
“We plan for potential problems and market shifts,” says Penner. “This proactive approach has us looking ahead eight to ten years to anticipate the future needs of farmers. We base our priorities on direct feedback from farmers, agronomists and researchers and regularly assess and realign our focus to develop crop varieties that benefit Canadian agriculture.”
“By continually seeking and developing superior varieties,” he says, “we ensure Canadian farmers remain at the forefront of global agriculture, ready to face the future and its challenges with confidence.”
For more information visit fpgenetics.ca
