July 22, 2026 (SASKATOON, SK) – Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) and the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC) are pleased to announce a new collaboration for lentil and faba bean breeding in Saskatchewan. This newly formed collaboration builds on a 30-year history of partnership and will further increase pulse breeding capacity and a competitive environment to drive innovation for producers.
The focus of the partnership is breeding stronger performing lentil and faba bean varieties for Saskatchewan. This work is guided by farmer-driven priorities, addressing key on-farm challenges. For lentil crops, this includes improved yield; improved Aphanomyces and Fusarium root rot resistance, resistance to foliar diseases (Anthracnose, Ascochyta blight), and herbicide tolerance with a focus on groups 5 and 14. For faba beans, breeding priorities include improved yield, maturity, seed size, and shape, improved architecture and resistance to lodging, and improved disease resistance. Breeding will take place in Saskatoon and will leverage testing sites across Saskatchewan and Western Canada.
“This new collaboration with the CDC marks a renewed path forward in lentil and faba bean breeding for the benefit of Saskatchewan producers. Having farmers at the table to provide direction to the program will result in new and better varieties in the hands of producers, tackling their greatest challenges,” says Stuart Lawrence, Chair of SPG Board of Directors.
SPG is providing a portion of upfront operational funding for both lentil and faba bean programs. Alberta Pulse Growers is also providing funding towards the lentil program. SPG will provide input on breeding priorities to help ensure farmers needs, priorities, and challenges are driving the goals of the program. The agreement reflects a commitment to commercialize new varieties with royalties on all acres, including those planted with farm-saved seed. Royalties from new varieties will be shared and SPG will re-invest its share in high priority program areas.
“The CDC breeding programs have had a significant impact on lentil and faba bean production on the prairies. More than 95 percent of the lentil and faba bean acreage on the Canadian prairies is planted to a CDC variety, generating billions of dollars in value to western Canadian growers. This renewed partnership with SPG will further strengthen pulse breeding and accelerate the development of new, high performing varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers” says Dr. Curtis Pozniak, Director of the CDC.
CDC’s strong history of pulse breeding and variety development dates back to 1978 when the Laird lentil was first released in Canada. Since then, hundreds of CDC pulse varieties have been released.
This new partnership with CDC is SPG’s third major collaboration in this new era for pulse breeding in Saskatchewan. The new landscape is attracting additional breeders and investment to create a competitive environment and offer growers more choice in high-performing pulse crop varieties.
“Our new model for pulse breeding is intended to attract new and additional investment and breeders to develop pulse varieties for Saskatchewan producers. We are excited to once again partner with the CDC under a new vision and progress the needs of pulse farmers through this program,” says Carl Potts, Executive Director with SPG.
About SPG
Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine-member, grower-elected Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.
About CDC
The Crop Development Centre (CDC) is Canada’s engine for seed development, integrating research, breeding, testing, training and commercialization into one continuous system. Established in 1971 within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, the CDC carries discovery through to performance and proves it in the field. The CDC turns momentum into impact through the continuous advancement of Canadian seed.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Carlson
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-0116
Email: acarlson@saskpulse.com
Amber Johnson
Director of Marketing and Communications
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-3668
Email: ajohnson@saskpulse.com
