Edmonton, Alberta, December 29, 2025 – RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) is pleased to announce a major investment of $2,137,650 in Western Crop Innovations (WCI), supporting the next phase of feed and forage crop breeding for Alberta’s agriculture sector. This decision reflects RDAR’s commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and producer value in Western Canadian agriculture. The funds are drawn from the Strategic Research and Development Program that RDAR manages on behalf of the Government of Alberta.
The approved funding will enable WCI to accelerate the development of high-performing feed and forage barley and triticale varieties, supporting Alberta’s livestock and cropping sectors with resilient, high-yielding, and quality-focused options. This investment aligns with RDAR’s vision to foster a competitive and sustainable agriculture industry by supporting research that delivers tangible benefits to producers and the broader value chain.
In addition to the funding decision, the RDAR Board has determined that a third-party, independent scientific review of WCI’s assets and breeding program will be conducted. This review, to be led by recognized experts in crop breeding and program modernization, will assess WCI’s scientific leadership, infrastructure, breeding methodologies, and partnerships. The findings will inform a modernization action plan, ensuring WCI is positioned as a Centre of Excellence for feed and forage crop breeding in Western Canada.
“Agriculture is a core sector of Alberta's economy and our government continues to support investments that will drive further innovation in crop development. This strategic and significant investment by RDAR directly benefits our farmers and ranchers while positioning Alberta as a world-class leader in the development of high-quality feed and forage varieties that are critical to the sustainability and growth of our agriculture sector."
Hon. RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Government of Alberta
"This investment demonstrates RDAR’s commitment to supporting innovation and modernization in Alberta’s crop breeding sector. By engaging independent experts and working closely with WCI, we are ensuring that our producers have access to world-class feed and forage varieties that meet the evolving needs of the industry."
Dr. David Chalack, RDAR Board Chair.
"WCI’s transformation into a not-for-profit, industry-partnered breeding centre marks a new era for crop innovation in Alberta. RDAR’s support will help us deliver greater value to producers and position Alberta as a leader in feed and forage crop development."
Trevor Sears, Executive Director, Western Crop Innovations.
About RDAR
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is an Alberta-based organization that invests in producer-led, results-driven research to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the agriculture industry.
About Western Crop Innovations
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is a not-for-profit crop breeding centre based in Lacombe, Alberta, focused on developing innovative feed and forage barley and triticale varieties for Western Canadian producers.
Media Contact
For all enquiries, please contact:
Mark Redmond, Chief Executive Officer, RDAR
mark.redmond@rdar.ca