National Wheat Research Priorities – The Next Five Years
Cereals Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the latest edition of the National Wheat Research Priorities. Released in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the document provides a sharp vision and clear targets to guide research in the Canadian wheat industry for the next five years.
Led by co-chairs Krista Zuzak, Cereals Canada director of crop protection and production, and Dr. Felicitas Katepa-Mupondwa, director of research, development, and technology for AAFC, the 2023–2028 National Wheat Research Priorities report was developed with over 70 researchers, industry and value chain members contributing to the six themes.
“This initiative brings together the value chain and research institutions to share knowledge, build networks, and create synergies,” says Zuzak. “We saw more than 75 research projects completed under the last set of priorities, which was released in 2020.”
The addition of nutrition research in the priorities report really showcases the vision and leadership of the working groups,”
Krista Zuzak, Cereals Canada director of crop protection and production
The National Wheat Research Priorities serves as a tool to communicate and link market signals with industry opportunities and research goals and objectives, while still recognizing the importance of regional differences.
Participants from across the value chain have been involved in the process since the inaugural report was released in 2016. Divided into working groups, they determine the outcomes, key targets, and commitments to the industry. This year, a sixth working group was formed to focus on a new theme: wheat nutrition.
“The addition of nutrition research in the priorities report really showcases the vision and leadership of the working groups,” says Zuzak. “Having wheat nutrition included puts a focus on the importance of wheat—the original plant-based protein—in one’s diet.”
Wheat is an important crop for Canadian farmers, the Canadian economy, and the global food supply. Known for its quality, consistency and reliability, Canadian wheat is exported to over 70 countries and contributes over nine billion CAD to the economy. Domestically, Canadian wheat is used for food, animal feed, and fuel.
“Wheat is nutritious, sustainable, and a staple in diets around the world,” says Dean Dias, chief executive officer, Cereals Canada. “Continued investments in wheat research by the value chain helps to increase farm gate profitability, competitiveness, and global and domestic food supplies.”