New Crop Development: The Canadian Experience

INTRODUCTION Canadian agriculture is based upon the introduction and successful adaptation of crop species into various regions of the country (Blade et al. 2002). The catalyst for successful expansion of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the prairie region was the introduction and development of adapted germplasm and region-specific agronomic management strategies. The continued success of the canola (Brassica campestris L. and B. napus L.) industry was brought about by a multidisciplinary approach involving biochemists, plant breeders, physiologists, pathologists, agronomists, nutritionists, and a great diversity of other expertise to create a unique oilseed crop (through the elimination of erucic acid and glucosinolates from the seed). Canada has a strong history of identifying new crop opportunities, and putting together the necessary expertise to ensure both production and market success. Crop diversification in Canadian agriculture is experiencing a time of growth and excitement (all data for 2001). Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) area has increased dramatically in the past three years to 500,000+ ha. The production of both field pea (Pisum sativum L.; 1,460,000 ha) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.; 732,000 ha) has increased severalfold in the last decade. The rapid expansion of these three crops makes Canada their largest global exporter; Canada is also the world’s largest exporter of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis L.). This production is primarily based in the prairie provinces of western Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba). In addition, the prairies have thriving dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) industries, plus developing activity in spice production such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.), and several Mentha essential oil crops (peppermint, spearmint). Many other potential alternate crop species are in various stages of commercial research and development; linola edible flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), low-THC industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Other parts of Canada have seen expansion in ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), and other nutraceutical crops with exciting value-adding opportunities (Blade and Mirza 2000). Canada’s diversification success has come about because of four major influences: (1) the need to diversify crop production in the face of large global surpluses in some of our primary crops; (2) Canada has a huge agricultural land area available with a diversity of climatic conditions for which suitable introduced crops can be found; (3) Canada’s primary producers are motivated, knowledgeable growers who have been willing to take on new challenges; and (4) the Canadian research community, industry and commodity groups have developed focused, multidisciplinary programs to identify and develop new crops which have strong market potential.