One of the things you might not know about me is that I wear two hats when it comes to the editor title. Yes, I’m editor of this lovely magazine Spud Smart that you’re reading right now, but I’m also editor of the Alberta Seed Guide. Both are a part of our parent company, Seed World Group. Having said all that, I think the next bit of information is self-explanatory, as when I’m not nose deep in the potato world, I spend a lot of time working with the seed industry.
Usually, these two worlds don’t cross. Sometimes, like when we do a story on true potato seeds, our seed publications (Germination, Seed World and European Seed) will take interest. But for the most part, my work is siloed. However, that changed with this issue.
During the spring issue, I was working on our annual new varieties story. I had reached out to Peter VanderZaag at Sunrise Potato, and he replied to me saying he didn’t have any new varieties to share that year but wondered if I’d be interested in doing a story on the Canadian Private Potato Breeders’ Network (CPPBN). At the time I had just recently been introduced to the CPPBN after Robert Coffin was elected its new president. I quickly said yes as I knew we didn’t do a lot of stories looking at the potato breeding landscape in Canada.
As I started working on the story for the summer issue, I found my two work worlds colliding. Working as seed magazine editor, I spend a lot of time researching and writing about plant breeding. That knowledge helped me immensely for this story.
The result of this work is “The Business of Private Potato Breeding in Canada”. In this story, we take a closer look at the history of potato breeding and plant breeders’ rights (PBR) in Canada. I loved getting to talk with Anthony Parker and learn all about Plant Breeding Regulations and how it has impacted the Canadian potato industry.
I know when I think of potato breeding in Canada, I mainly think of the work AAFC does and not of the work people like Coffin or VanderZaag have done. Both have worked away on their spare time to breed potatoes for Canadians. It’s been a labour of love for them, and it wouldn’t be possible without PBR.
As you read our story, I hope it helps you to remember all the work that goes into the seed you receive and plant each spring. Understand how the breeders worked to create it, whether they’re an independent, European or AAFC, they cared a lot to create this variety for you the grower and customers who will someday eat it. Potato breeding is truly a labour of love.
Header photo — A HZPC technician collects pollen for directed cross pollination — the first step in the breeding process. Photo: HZPC
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The Business of Private Potato Breeding in Canada
