Understanding Distribution Rights for SPG Pulse Varieties 

Up until 2020, the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) acquired the worldwide marketing rights to pulse varieties developed by the Crop Development Centre (CDC) under a breeding agreement in which SPG funded the CDC pulse breeding program with levy dollars collected from Saskatchewan pulse growers. The first breeding agreement between SPG and CDC was signed in 1997 and subsequently renewed until 2020. Varieties developed during this time were provided to Saskatchewan growers royalty-free. 

As agreements with the CDC and other provincial pulse grower groups evolved, the distribution territory permitted for seed sales by seed growers changed over time and varies depending on the variety and when it was developed. Some varieties were considered suitable for niche markets and were initially tendered to companies interested in entering new markets. These were marketed through exclusive, closed-loop systems with royalties paid to SPG. Plant Breeders’ Rights were applied to all varieties developed after 2014, adding another layer of complexity. 

All of this has created a complex, sometimes confusing landscape for seed growers to navigate as they consider whether to sell or purchase seed. The purpose of this guide is to provide background on the variable distribution models for pulse varieties released by SPG and to serve as a resource for understanding the available options and restrictions for moving seed of these varieties. 

Distribution Within Canada 

Since Saskatchewan growers funded the development of these varieties, they were released to Saskatchewan seed growers, but sales outside Saskatchewan were restricted. To gain access to these varieties, Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) contributed funds to the CDC, but only in certain years and for selected crops. 

Alberta Pulse Growers 

• 2000–2012: peas, lentils & chickpeas 
• 2001–2002: access to dry beans was granted due to excess inventory 
• 2013: peas, lentils, chickpeas & faba beans 
• 2014–2015: peas, lentils, chickpeas, faba beans & dry beans 
• 2016: opted out of the Variety Release Program 

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers 

• 2000–2002: lentils & chickpeas 
• 2001–2002: access to dry beans was granted due to excess inventory 
• 2003: opted out of the Variety Release Program (until 2016) 
• 2016–2017: peas & faba beans (note: this gave access to any varieties released before 2016 that were still in SPG’s inventory) 

Commercialization Outside of Saskatchewan – Distribution Agents 

SPG developed a new model in 2017 for the distribution of varieties outside of Saskatchewan (within Canada). Varieties with Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) protection were offered for commercialization outside of Saskatchewan through exclusive, royalty-bearing sublicenses. Through this mechanism, 33 varieties have been sublicensed. 

IMPORTANT: Seed growers who want to sell seed outside Saskatchewan (within Canada), or growers who want to purchase seed for planting outside Saskatchewan, must contact the listed distributor. 

Varieties Sublicensed for Commercialization Outside Saskatchewan 

Varieties Commercialized Only in Saskatchewan 

These varieties cannot be sold outside of the province: 

International Distribution 

From the start of the breeding agreement through 2016, SPG surrendered international seed distribution rights to the CDC on a variety-by-variety basis. The CDC, in turn, sublicensed these varieties to commercialization agents in the USA. 

Seed growers wishing to sell seed outside of Canada must contact the CDC or the assigned distribution agents. 

International Distribution Agents 

• Peas: Canterra, Meridian Seeds 
• Lentils (non-Clearfield®): FP Genetics 
• Lentils (Clearfield®): CDC 
• Chickpeas: Canterra, Meridian Seeds 
• Faba Beans: Pulse USA (CDC Snowdrop only) 
• Dry Beans: Canterra, Meridian Seeds 

Pulse Varieties PROHIBITED from International Distribution 

Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR)

Changes in PBR legislation have added another layer of complexity, and not all varieties have PBR protection depending on when they were developed. The CDC began applying PBR protection on varieties released in 2015. 

Key Points about PBR 

• PBR protection prohibits the sale of common seed. 
• Farm-saved seed of PBR varieties is permitted for planting on your own farm. 
• PBR allows for the collection of royalties on farm-saved seed used for planting through a Variety Use Agreement (VUA). 
• Varieties released through the Variety Release Program (1997–2025) by SPG will remain royalty-free. 

Pulse Varieties Released by SPG with PBR (granted or provisional) 

Tendered Varieties and Protected Traits 

Varieties or market classes with unique traits that target niche markets or require additional stewardship are sublicensed to commercialization partners and entail reporting and stewardship management obligations. 

Market Classes Previously Under Exclusive Sublicense 

Historically, SPG awarded exclusive sublicenses for the following market classes. These contracts have ended, and varieties in these market classes are now available for broad release: 

• Red cotyledon pea 
• Spanish brown lentil 
• Large red lentil 
• Green cotyledon lentil 
• Large-seeded tannin faba bean (high vicine/convicine), e.g., FB-9 
• Black bean 
• Slow-darkening pinto bean 

Special Varieties with Ongoing Stewardship Requirements 

Several varieties or market classes with new or unique traits that involve additional stewardship management continue to be commercialized under sublicense agreements. However, these sublicenses are non-exclusive and royalty-free. 

CDC Sublime 

CDC Sublime is a large red lentil variety with a green seed coat. The decision to sublicense this variety was to add stewardship obligations through a closed-loop system to prevent admixture with large green lentils and to protect it from illicit international distribution, given its significantly higher yield and unique trait. 

This contract has ended; however, the variety is not available through broad release, as new large red lentil varieties (e.g., CDC Monarch) now offer higher yields and the grey seed coat typical of the red lentil market. 

LVC Faba Beans 

The faba bean industry is transitioning to varieties that have very low levels of the antinutritional compounds vicine and convicine. These compounds can cause rapid-onset anemia in a small percentage of the human population, limiting the use of faba bean protein and fractions in the food industry. 

Varieties low in these compounds present a new opportunity to use faba beans as food ingredients, thereby expanding the crop’s market potential. Since faba beans are open-pollinated, they can outcross with neighbouring high-vicine/convicine crops, potentially contaminating the LVC trait. 

Stewardship obligations were developed to help protect this fledgling market by ensuring purity of the LVC trait, including expanded isolation distances, purity testing, and closed-loop production. 

Market Classes Managed by the CDC 

Several market classes of dry beans were surrendered to the CDC, which fully manages them. These include: 

• Navy Bean 
• Great northern bean 
• Flor de Julio (pink) bean 
• Cranberry bean 
• Yellow bean 
• Carioca bean 

Contact Information 

For questions about variety distribution rights or to purchase seed outside of Saskatchewan, please contact the appropriate distribution agent listed in the tables above or SPG. 

This guide is subject to change as agreements and varieties evolve. Please verify current distribution rights before buying or selling seed.