Bayer Crop Science announced a $45 million CAD investment to build a canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, marking one of the company’s largest research commitments in Canada.
The facility will handle seed development work for canola, camelina and winter canola, with a focus on trait integration, yield trial seed processing and seed quality analysis. Design work begins in 2026, with operations expected to start by late 2028.
“A long-term strategic investment of this scale demonstrates Bayer’s commitment to Canadian canola and to the farmers who depend on it,” said Antoine Bernet, country division head for Crop Science Canada. “Through this world-class innovation facility, Canadian farmers will benefit from opportunities for faster genetic gains — such as increased yield and enhanced agronomic performance.”
The centre will accelerate breeding efforts toward improved product performance and expand herbicide tolerance and weed control options, Bernet said.
Mike Graham, Crop Science R&D lead, said the timing and location reflect recent advances in the company’s breeding program.
“Over the last few years our canola breeding program has been completely redesigned through next generation precision breeding capabilities,” Graham said. “These shifts have enabled us to greatly accelerate genetic gain, build industry-leading disease resistance, drive increase in field data collection that improve product positioning, and enable delivery at scale of expanded herbicide tolerance trait options.”
The new centre will consolidate some canola breeding operations and seed generation activities. Bayer’s existing Smartpark site in Winnipeg will continue early breeding workflows for canola, while the Carman site will operate as a multi-crop nursery field operation.
