b"Incorporating diverse crops into rotations can address theseexpedite the expansion of both cultivation areas and market challenges and offer numerous advantages, Strydhorst adds.returns for these unique crops.Embracing change can be challenging. Balancing short- This project has been more than just a research initiative; term economic gains with long-term sustainability is a complexit's been about raising awareness about the importance of diver-decision, but this study has shown us the importance of takingsified agriculture and supporting these underrepresented crops, small steps towards diversification. Incorporating new cropssays Carol Ann Patterson, project manager for the DFCC. into rotations can help manage risks effectively and ensure theAs a food scientist by training, I've been able to contribute continued health and productivity of farms. insights from the value-added perspective, considering how these If, for instance, a farmer has been adhering to a wheat- crops can be incorporated into the food industry and beyond.canola rotation across all their acres for the upcoming cropping season in 2024, Strydhorsts advice would be to take a smallDiverse Crops That Show Promisestep beyond that comfort zone. Perhaps consider implement-ing a wheat-barley-canola rotation on one field. Then, lookingThe Diverse Field Crops Cluster (DFCC) project looked at ahead to 2025, introducing a pea-wheat-canola rotation onnumerous crops that have potential in rotations across Canada. another field could be a feasible goal. The idea is not to becomeThey include the following.overwhelmed by the changes but to gradually incorporate them into the routine. CarinataDiversifying rotations can be achieved by gradually addingIn the realm of agricultural innovation, a remarkable player elements like winter cereals or expanding the repertoire of cere- has emerged carinata an oilseed from the Brassica family, als used, such as including both wheat and barley. Over time,closely related to canola and mustard. This versatile crop, these small steps can accumulate and lead to a more diversifiedthe cultivation of which started 6,000 years ago in Ethiopia, and resilient rotation system. While progress might be slow,is poised to revolutionize the biofuel landscape, offering a change will come. dedicated industrial feedstock for biofuel production while also yielding a valuable co-product in the form of nutrient-rich meal WHY DIVERSIFY ROTATIONS? for livestock feed.Carinata has garnered the attention of researchers atIncluding nitrogen-fixing legumes or pulses in rotationsAgriculture and Agri-Food Canadas Saskatoon Research enhances soil fertility and reduces dependence onand Development Centre and the collaborative research nitrogen fertilizers, which are expensive and impact theteam at Nuseed, headed up by breeder Rick Bennett based in environment Saskatoon, Sask.Diverse rotations contribute to weed suppression andThe familiarity I had with canola made the transition to more sustainable soil practices, ensuring the long-termworking with carinata an enticing prospect, Bennett says. health and productivity of crops Looking back, it's gratifying to witness the evolution of carinata from its grassroots beginnings as a proof of concept to the current status of having a viable commercial program thriv-ing in South America. Identifying Diverse Field Crops That expansion continues with the recent initiation of commercial programs in the southern United States, as well In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, innovation andas plans to venture into the markets of Europe and Australia. diversity are key factors in ensuring a sustainable and thrivingThe overarching goal is ambitious but attainable: to cultivate future. Enter the Diverse Field Crops Cluster (DFCC), poisedbetween half a million to a million acres within the next five to to reshape the agricultural horizon by nurturing the growth10 years, he says.and potential of a unique set of crops: flax, carinata, camelina,This remarkable crop is finding its place in renewable fuel canaryseed, sunflower, hemp, quinoa, and mustard. markets. Its particularly suited to making airplane fuel. When At its core, the Diverse Field Crops Cluster is a collabora- crushed to extract its oil, carinata yields a protein-rich meal tive endeavour driven to propel the research and developmentsuitable for animal feed. Its non-GMO status opens doors to of high-potential specialty crops. Spearheaded by Ag-West Bio,European markets.a leading bioscience industry association, this initiative hasIts important to note that as of now, there are currently no garnered substantial backing from Agriculture and Agri-Foodcommercial acres of the crop in Canada at all, despite its poten-Canada's Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program, along- tial as a rotation crop and extensive hybrid research underway side committed contributions from industry partners. Thisat Nuseeds research facility in Saskatchewan. To be certified as collective support is a testament to the significance of DFCC'sa sustainable biofuel feedstock, Nuseeds contract production goals and the potential it envisions. program is designed to meet the Roundtable on Sustainable The DFCC is committed to bringing together diverse indus- Biomaterials (RSB) certification requirements, which sets global try stakeholders and research experts. By aligning these forces,sustainability standards for biofuel and biomaterial feedstock the cluster seeks to seize untapped market opportunities andcrops. A fundamental tenet of this certification is to ensure that SEPTEMBER 2023GERMINATION.CA 15"