Select Seed Grower Directory
Through Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) Variety Release Program (VRP), breeder seed varieties developed by the Crop Development Centre (CDC) are made available to eligible Select Status seed growers in Saskatchewan royalty-free.
Variety Release Program
The Variety Release Program (VRP) is a seed distribution program managed by SPG where Select Seed Growers can access breeder seed of new broadly adapted varieties developed by plant breeders from the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan.
The program’s purpose is to increase growth of the pulse industry in Saskatchewan and Western Canada through the rapid uptake and acceptance of new and improved pulse varieties. Crops included as part of this program include pea, lentil, chickpea, bean, and faba bean. Any nationally recognized Select Seed Grower whose provincial pulse grower organization has an agreement with SPG is eligible to apply for breeder seed through this program.
We hope to maintain the quality of the seed being released by utilizing the existing plot inspection system of the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA). Select Status certification is conferred by CSGA and individuals are advised to contact CSGA directly for more details on this process. Proof of Select grower status must be received from CSGA before a grower is able to access breeder seed from the VRP.
Related Resources
Select Seed Grower Volunteer Levy Form
2022 Pulse Variety Description Booklet
2022 Variety Release Program Update
2022 Pea Update
2022 Lentil & Faba Update
2022 Chickpea Update
2022 Key & Emerging Issues in Pulse Production
2021 Dry Bean Update
2021 Pulse Varieties Commercially Available to Growers
Plant Breeding Past September 2020
2020 Pulse of the Prairies Podcast: New Pulse Varieties