FAST TAKE
- Nominate Now: Recognize a major variety that shaped the future of agriculture.
- What’s Eligible: Public or private varieties that have had a major impact on farming.
- The Prize: National recognition in Seed World Canada.
- Act Fast: Anyone can nominate — help spotlight the varieties that changed the game. Access the nomination form here.
It’s not just about the best variety this season — it’s about the seeds that shaped a generation of farming success.
Every year, the Seed of the Year program shines a spotlight on the quiet champions of Canadian agriculture — the seed varieties that have stood the test of time and transformed the way we grow, eat, and export food. You can nominate a variety now!
From barley to beans, these are the varieties that have helped farmers boost yields, strengthen resilience, and sustain rural economies. The award doesn’t just celebrate one breakthrough year — it honours a variety’s lifetime achievement, and the breeders, institutions, and communities that made it possible.
Why It Matters
For decades, Canada’s breeders — both public and private — have delivered innovation straight from the lab to the field — often without fanfare. The Seed of the Year award recognizes that legacy. It gives recognition to the plant breeding programs that fuel agricultural productivity, drive economic impact, and improve life for Canadians everywhere.
Seed of the Year isn’t just about genetics. It’s about the story behind the seed — the research, collaboration, and persistence that make Canadian agriculture thrive.
How It Works
Nominations are open to plant breeding organizations, agricultural groups, and the public — anyone who knows a variety worthy of recognition.
Eligible categories include:
- Field crops
- Forages
- Fruits and vegetables
- Herbs
Each nomination is evaluated on its overall contribution to agriculture, the economy, and society — not just short-term performance.
Past Winners Tell the Story
Recent Seed of the Year winners have deep roots in Canadian farming success:
- CDC Austenson feed barley (2025)
- Dynasty Dark Red Kidney Bean (2023)
- AC Foremost wheat (2021)
Each one has left an indelible mark on Canadian agriculture — from redefining quality and resilience to supporting industries far beyond the farm gate.
Ready to Nominate?
If you know a variety that changed the game — for farmers, processors, or consumers — now’s your chance to make sure it gets the recognition it deserves.
Help celebrate the science, dedication, and public good that make Canadian plant breeding extraordinary. Nominate a variety today — and help us tell the story of the seeds that built Canada’s agricultural legacy.
To nominate simply access the nomination form!
