Amidst the hot and dry conditions across the Canadian prairies, Harpinder Singh Randhawa, a senior research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), is leading the development of a new wheat variety aimed at thriving under environmental stress. This innovative wheat, known as AAC Raymond, is a Soft White Spring wheat that promises to deliver yields 10 to 12 percent higher than existing varieties, even in drought conditions.
Randhawa, who has over two decades of experience in wheat breeding, biotechnology, and molecular genetics, is based in Lethbridge, Alberta. He emphasizes the economic benefits of this new variety from a farmer's perspective, noting its potential for higher economic performance and enhanced grain protection. "From a farmer's perspective, we’re looking at [a] higher economic performance and protecting their grain," he stated.
The AAC Raymond stands out for its strong resistance to diseases such as stripe and leaf rusts, which are significant challenges for farmers. Randhawa explains that this not only leads to better yields under stress but also enhances the crop's ability to withstand disease pressure due to its resistance to rust diseases. This dual advantage is vital for farmers managing the impacts of climate change and disease outbreaks.
This new wheat variety is characterized by low protein content and high starch levels, making it a versatile product suitable for various uses, including baking, livestock feed, silage production, malting, and ethanol generation. According to Randhawa, the AAC Raymond has already been registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and is expected to be available for farmers within the next two years. "It’s mainly going to be used for making cookies, cakes, biscuits. It’s also being used for livestock and for feedstock," he remarked.
Furthermore, the wheat's composition, having a high starch content and slightly lower protein content compared to other wheat classes, allows for diverse applications, including feedstock, milling wheat, and sometimes even malting. The development of this wheat variety comes at a critical time for Canadian agriculture as it aims to bolster crop resilience against climate variability.
Randhawa notes that the new variety has undergone extensive testing across several regions in Western Canada. The adaptability of AAC Raymond aims to help farmers achieve higher yields, which is particularly important in the face of changing climatic conditions. "Wheat is a major crop investment in Canada. We grow almost 20 million acres of wheat every year, which is a significant part of our agricultural landscape," he indicated.
He further highlighted Canada’s crucial role in global wheat production, stating that the majority of wheat produced in the country is exported. "About 95 percent of wheat produced in Canada is for export," Randhawa explained. This reflects the importance of wheat not just as a domestic staple but as a significant contributor to Canada's agricultural economy on the international stage. While only five percent of the wheat is consumed domestically, the remaining crop is shipped to various countries across the globe.
Through the development of the AAC Raymond, Randhawa and his team at AAFC are positioning Canadian agriculture for a more resilient and productive future in wheat farming, thereby reinforcing Canada’s status as a key player in the global agricultural market.
