Key Takeaways
- Genome BC is funding two research collaborations focused on cherries and carrots
- Projects aim to accelerate breeding timelines using genomic tools
- Cherry initiative targets climate resilience and stable production under extreme weather
- Carrot project focuses on seed diversity and adaptation to organic growing conditions
- Research supports long-term food security and competitiveness for BC growers
Genome BC Invests in Climate-Resilient Crop Development
Genome BC has announced funding for two research collaborations designed to support British Columbia’s agricultural sector as climate change continues to affect crop production. The initiatives focus on applying genomic data at early breeding stages for cherries and carrots to improve climate adaptation and strengthen food security.
“Pairing genomic tools with grower and sector insights cuts years off the timeline to climate-ready crops,” said Dr. Federica Di Palma, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Research and Innovation at Genome BC. “These projects will strengthen local food security and ensure a more resilient economy for British Columbia.”
Advancing Cherry Breeding Through Genomics
Addressing Production Declines in a Key Export Crop
British Columbia produces 95% of Canada’s cherries. In 2024, Canada exported more than 1,000 metric tons of cherries valued at over $12 million. However, recent extreme weather events have contributed to production declines.
A collaboration between Dr. Letitia Da Ros of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Erin Wallich of Summerland Varieties Corp. aims to shorten traditional breeding timelines, which can take up to 30 years. The team will validate genomic technologies designed to induce early flowering and accelerate variety development.
“We are hoping for new varieties bred to handle regional stress, even during temperature extremes,” said Dr. Da Ros, the project’s Lead Researcher, “while also working toward staggered fruit production to ensure cherries are available throughout the growing season.”
Wallich highlighted the commercial implications: “Currently, 36 cherry varieties grown worldwide are Canadian Intellectual Property, generating millions of dollars in royalties each year. These revenues are reinvested into new technologies, variety development and commercialization efforts that help to maintain BC’s competitive edge globally.”
Enhancing Carrot Seed Diversity for Local Conditions
Genome BC's Funding: Supporting Organic and Region-Specific Production
The second project is led by Professor Loren Rieseberg of the University of British Columbia and Aabir Dey of SeedChange. The collaboration seeks to identify genetic markers in wild and traditional carrot varieties linked to resilience against stresses such as drought, heat, and low-nutrient soils.
Through partnerships with the Canadian Organic Vegetable Project, farmers and seed growers will participate directly in the breeding process, providing input on yield, germination, weed competition, flavor, and market traits.
“We’re making the most of the inherent knowledge that local farmers have and want them to lead in variety development,” said Dey. “They know what works best on their farms and the flavour and appearance traits that contribute to marketability. We will assess their feedback alongside characteristics like yield, weed competition and how seeds germinate.”
Professor Rieseberg added: “Most vegetable seeds used in Canada are bred internationally. This is an opportunity to increase our local breeding capacity, give BC a competitive edge and reduce our reliance on international suppliers.”
Genome BC stated that both collaborations are designed to strengthen local breeding capacity and support long-term resilience in British Columbia’s food system.
