On the Prairies, partnerships matter. And today’s announcement that CANTERRA SEEDS has acquired Alliance Seed is more than a handshake deal between two pedigreed seed players — it’s a thoughtful alignment of shared values, complementary strengths, and a vision to better serve farmers across the West, says CANTERRA SEEDS President and CEO Brent Derkatch.
At its heart, the move brings together two companies with a history of listening to growers and a track record of delivering high-quality, locally adapted seed. But if you talk to the people behind the merger, it’s clear: this isn’t about absorbing a competitor. It’s about building a broader, stronger platform — one that can deliver more choice, more support, and more resilience for seed growers and farmers alike.
For Derkatch, the acquisition reflects a natural evolution in the company’s strategy.
“We’ve always believed that farmer success starts with seed,” Derkatch says. “Bringing Alliance Seed into the CANTERRA SEEDS family means we can expand our reach while continuing to offer top-performing varieties through a network of trusted seed growers.”
Among those varieties are CDC Endure milling oats and AAC Leroy VB CWRS wheat, well-established performers in the Western Canadian landscape. Combined with CANTERRA SEEDS’ own lineup and their ongoing investment in Limagrain Cereals Research Canada, the company is positioning itself to offer one of the most robust and relevant seed portfolios in the region.
Importantly, Alliance Seed will continue operating as a standalone brand, preserving the identity and relationships it built under Paterson Grain, which has been a fixture in Canadian agriculture for over a century.
For Shane Paterson, director of trading and transportation at Paterson Grain and former president of Alliance Seed, continuity was key.
“We weren’t looking for just any buyer — we were looking for a good fit,” Paterson explains. “CANTERRA SEEDS shares our belief in personalized service, regional focus, and strong grower relationships. We’re confident they’ll help the Alliance brand grow while staying true to its roots.”
That focus on continuity extends to the team itself. Key staff from Alliance Seed are making the transition, ensuring that customers and retailers can expect the same level of service they’ve come to know.
A Broader Platform for Growers
At a time when many farmers are looking for support navigating market shifts, weather extremes, and evolving customer demands, this kind of collaboration brings clear benefits, Derkatch says.
“Farmers don’t just need more seed choices — they need seed partners who understand their challenges. With this acquisition, we’re able to connect with more seed growers and retailers, and offer even stronger support to the people growing Canada’s food.”
For farmers, that means more local access to top varieties, more consistency across the supply chain, and a renewed commitment to long-term investment in plant breeding and agronomic innovation.
Both companies bring decades of experience to the table — and while their field signs may now appear side by side, they’re not just marking plots. They’re marking a new chapter in what farmer-driven collaboration can look like, Derkatch adds.
“With seeding underway across the Prairies, what this merger really shows is that when two farmer-focused companies team up, it’s the growers who come out ahead.”
