The Western Crop Innovations malt barley breeding program is facing termination, threatening years of vital research and the potential loss of groundbreaking new varieties. This program is on the cusp of a major breakthrough, having successfully crossed Maris Otter—a heritage winter barley known for exceptional taste—into a high-yielding spring variety suitable for North American climates, including Alberta. One Maris Otter cross, in particular, is a standout and is ready for evaluation by the PGDC— a key step towards commercialization. Ending this program now means these promising varieties may never reach farmers, maltsters, or brewers.
Saving this program requires a collaborative effort. Key players who can help include:
Western Grains Research Foundation: With $230 million accumulated, WGRF's objectives align perfectly with supporting this program. In 2024 they had $46M in revenue and funded $12M in research, they could fund the entire malt barley breeding program with ease, but they would be looking to partner with other funding bodies.
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR): As a primary funder of WCI ($2 million annually) and holding a board position, RDAR has significant influence on research priorities and can help secure the program's future. They have been resisting funding the malt barley program at WCI.
The Government of Alberta: The GoA has already come to the table in support of the entire breeding program at WCI and has provided some long-term stability with a 3-year commitment. The GoA could increase support if urged by stakeholders, but has already done quite a bit and would like to see industry support.
Malt Companies: Major malt companies (RahrBSG, Canada Malting Co. Limited) have expressed interest in financial support but need a business plan detailing how funds will be used. Currently, it sounds like malting barley breeding is excluded from WCI's upcoming business plan, partly due to a lack of individual malt company membership. Other malt companies like Prairie Malt (Boortmalt), Malteurop, Red Shed Malting, Origin Malting, could also be looked to for support.
Seed Companies: Seed companies already have skin in the game from the risks they take hoping a new variety will break through into lots of acres on farms. However, they may be able to play a role in saving the malt barley breeding program.
Farmers (Alberta Grains): As the source of barley check-off dollars, Alberta malt barley farmers have a strong voice to ensure these funds support the long-term health and innovation of the industry. The ROI for developing new malting barley varieties is high, and these dollars should be used to develop varieties in Alberta.
Don't let years of research and the promise of superior barley varieties be lost. It's time for the industry to come together to save the malt barley breeding program.
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