As the 2026 harvest enters its final stages, it is a good time to reflect on the growing season and the work SPG has carried out for pulse growers in Saskatchewan.

SPG has been active at numerous field days and industry events over the summer, showcasing SPG-funded research projects, communicating the results of research investments and practical takeaways for farmers and agronomists. SPG has also been active responding to enquiries and emerging issues from farmers.

In July, SPG was proud to announce two new pulse breeding agreements with the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre: one for lentils and one for faba beans. These agreements build on many years of successful collaboration and create a strong foundation for future variety development. As with all new breeding agreements SPG enters into, varieties developed through this work will be commercialized with royalties on all acres, including farm-saved seed. This approach is needed to attract and retain investment in pulse breeding, encourage competition and innovation, and deliver improved variety performance that helps farmers remain globally competitive.

As global trade uncertainty continues, SPG remains active in market development and diversification, working with national and provincial pulse organizations. In 2026, our U.S. foodservice market development efforts helped support several new menu launches featuring lentils. In China, SPG has worked to maintain market access for peas and pursue new access for lentils, faba beans, and chickpeas. As Canada and India negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), SPG is also working with Pulse Canada and others to ensure governments and industry in both countries understand the importance of the Canada–India pulse trade relationship. Our goal is an ambitious, commercially significant outcome for pulses in the agreement expected later in 2026.

As growers across Saskatchewan deal with challenging weather during harvest, SPG board and staff continue to focus on high-priority research and market development investments and advocacy to advance the productivity and marketability for Saskatchewan pulses.

– Carl Potts, Executive Director
​Saskatchewan Pulse Growers