at demonstration sites across Canada

engage local seed

Farmers and seed stewards across Canada create and adapt an incredible diversity of plants through both plant breeding and selection. This work is at the heart of seed security and emerging regional seed systems across the country, and it is vital to sustain climate resilient agro-ecological agriculture. In 2021-2023, we will be showcasing this work as well as trialing regional varieties at demonstration sites across Canada. These sites will be places where you can see, touch, taste, and smell the beauty, deliciousness, and resilience of regionally bred and adapted varieties. Each site will host training workshops, tours, and tasting events. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP), a $50.3 million, five-year investment to help the agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.

ATLANTIC CANADA

Demonstration gardens in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island will showcase over 50 locally bred, selected, and stewarded vegetable varieties from 16 regional growers, and include a trial of new varieties of paddy rice.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA REGION

We have two demo sites in the lower mainland, and one on Vancouver Island. At these sites we replicate variety trials, grow out seeds and roots for participatory plant breeding projects, and invite farmers to send us seeds from their breeding projects so we can share our observations with them.  Field days for farmers and gardeners on-site help share knowledge and empower the current and future generations of seed savers.

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PRAIRIE REGION

The Prairies have three demonstration sites this year showcasing regionally adapted vegetable and grain varieties. The Mackenzie Applied Research Association and The Univeristy of Alberta will be continuing to showcase and evaluate farmer-bred Participatory Plant Breeding wheat and oat varieties. New this year, Peno Creek Farm is showcasing Prairie vegetable varieties and CANOVI trials.

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ONTARIO REGION

Ontario’s two demo gardens are sites for exploring and showcasing vegetable and grain varieties best suited for regional production. Fertile Ground Farm is growing farmer-bred varieties to be showcased to market gardeners and seed companies, as well as different crop varieties for conservation in partnership with Seeds of Diversity, as well as trialing okra, lettuce, and carrot varieties. Ironwood Organics will be hosting a demo garden on heritage grains, landraces, and those developed through participatory plant breeding programs.

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QUEBEC REGION

The demo gardens in Estrie, Centre-du-Québec and Bas St Laurent are highlighting participatory plant breeding and farmer-led seed projects, encompassing dozens of vegetables, bulbs and tubers, niche grains (quinoa, kernza, switchgrass) and cover crops.

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