FAST Take
- Celebrate Innovation: Nominate a researcher redefining what’s possible in Canadian plant breeding and genetics.
- Who Qualifies: Public or private sector scientists driving breakthroughs that strengthen and sustain agriculture.
- The Recognition: Honoured at the Seeds Canada Semi-Annual Meeting with a national spotlight and engraved award.
- Your Turn: Anyone can nominate — help shine a light on the visionary minds feeding Canada and the world. Download the nomination form here.
Submit your nomination for the 2026 Plant Breeding & Genetics Award sponsored by Seed World Canada and Seeds Canada.
Every breakthrough in Canadian agriculture begins with a seed — and behind every great seed, there’s a visionary researcher pushing the boundaries of what plants can do.
That’s what the Canadian Plant Breeding and Genetics Award, co-sponsored by Seeds Canada and Seed World Canada, is all about: celebrating those innovators whose work is transforming the future of farming.
Presented annually at the Seeds Canada Semi-Annual Meeting, this award recognizes one researcher — from either the public or private sector — who has made a significant, lasting contribution to the advancement of Canadian plant agriculture through breeding and genetics research.
The Search for Canada’s Next Agricultural Visionary
Nominees are the scientists who make agriculture stronger, smarter, and more sustainable. They are creative thinkers who blend technical mastery with a deep commitment to agricultural productivity and innovation. The most recent winner was Curtis Pozniak, wheat breeder at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (see the video above).
The recipient will have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following:
- World-class application of plant breeding and genetics;
- Creativity and persistence in solving technical challenges;
- Meaningful contributions that boost productivity and resilience in Canadian (and even global) agriculture.
The winner receives an engraved award donated by Seed World Canada, presented in front of industry peers and leaders — a moment that shines a national spotlight on the work that feeds the world.
Who Can Nominate
Here’s the best part: anyone with knowledge of a deserving individual can submit a nomination. You don’t need to be a Seeds Canada member — just someone who recognizes excellence when you see it.
If you know a plant breeder or geneticist who’s driving change, leading research, or reimagining what’s possible for Canadian crops, this is your chance to help them get the recognition they deserve.
Nominate Today
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when great ideas are recognized and shared. Help us celebrate the minds advancing Canada’s seed and plant breeding future.
