(Calgary Alberta) August 16, 2018 – The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) and CANTERRA SEEDS LTD. are pleased to launch AAC Crossfield – the first new variety resulting from their historic public, private, producer partnership (4-P). Celebrations will take place at a launch party at CANTERRA SEEDS Demonstration plots in Olds, AB later today.
 
AAC Crossfield seed is currently under production through CANTERRA SEEDS’ seed grower shareholders, and will be commercially available to farmers this fall in advance of Spring 2019 seeding. 
 
This first-of-its-kind partnership, totalling $3.4 million over five years, is aimed at combining the strengths of producers, along with the public and private sectors, to create improved CPSR wheat varieties for farmers. Breeding for this partnership is being led by Dr. Harpinder Randhawa based out of AAFC Lethbridge. 
 
“AWC and our 4-P partners are proud to launch AAC Crossfield,” said Kevin Bender, AWC Chair. “This is a great example of farmer dollars bringing new varieties to market.”
 
The launch party will be held at the CANTERRA SEEDS demonstration plots at Olds, AB. Attendees will hear from Dr. Harpinder Randhawa who will provide a technical overview of the variety and Colette Prefontaine with CANTERRA SEEDS LTD who will speak on the agronomic benefits of this variety.
 
"We are very excited to see the results of this ground-breaking partnership coming to life with the commercial release of AAC Crossfield," said David Hansen, President and CEO of CANTERRA SEEDS.
 
Under the agreement, AWC will receive a share of royalties on new varieties resulting from the program to be used for future CPSR research and development. CANTERRA SEEDS provides additional technical and field-testing capacity for the CPSR material from AAFC Lethbridge, and increased funding and support for the program as a whole. CANTERRA SEEDS receives first right of refusal on new varieties resulting from the 4-P program. CANTERRA SEEDS also provides links to the entire value chain, a deeper understanding of end-user requirements and broad experience in seed production and commercialization.

Media Contact:
Sheena Pitura
Director of Marketing
s.pitura@canterra.com 

Dr. Harpinder Randhawa, Brent Derkatch and Cosmin Badea at the Olds, AB plot