b'lets open up the innovation space.focusing its business on developing Theres no single right way to dotraits in key input crop categories in things in this space. Of course, thisthe largest global crops: canola, rice, will benefit FBN and its users andsoybean, corn and wheat. The deci-the breeders who work with us tosion to divest its canola seed breed-create new varieties, but we also seeing assets to FBN is part of a strategic it benefiting the industry even morerefocus.broadly. In 2019, Cibus launched its Falco FBN launched a pilot programseed brand, offering North American last fall to test germplasm and try outcanola growers four new canola vari-breeding combinations from initialeties. Sissons says the brand was able network members. At press time,to help the company demonstrate its no breeders from the pilot projectgermplasm to potential licensees and were willing to speak to media dueshow them the value of its traits.to what FBN said was the fear ofAs part of the deal, Cibus has pro-reprisal from within the industry. vided FBN with a license to its canola Daniel Dyer, head of seed R&D for FBN. pod shatter reduction trait upon com-New Collaboration Opportunities mercialization.According to FBN, its acquisition ofAs part of its purchase by FBN, the Cibus Canadian canola assets andFor Cibus, developing traits hasthe entire Haplotech team will its purchase of Haplotech will helpformed the basis of its operations inbecome FBN Canada employees. bring increased competition to theboth the United States and Canada.Haplotech founder and president Rale seed industry and also opens theAccording to Norm Sissons, theGjuric will lead FBN Canadas seed door for unprecedented collabora- companys vice-president of seed andR&D team. tion with other seed developers thattraits based in Winnipeg, the nextThe acquisitions also highlight the need elite germplasm to enhancestep is focusing more of those effortsinnovative agricultural research being their own programs and supportingon bringing traits to market. Sissonsconducted in Winnipeg, Dyer says. independent developers with promis- also formerly served for Syngenta, asCanola was first developed at the ing traits that have had, until now, noglobal crop business head. University of Manitoba in the 1970s. clear path to market. Sissons says the company is 32GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2021'