The Future of Grain Science: Grain Science in Canada: A National Priority The high ratio of crops to population ensures that Canada is a significant force in export markets for both grains and oilseeds. Wheat has long been the kingpin of cropping systems in Canada, but other grain, grain legume, and oilseed crops find favor as well as producers take advantage of market opportunities and productivity enhancements. According to Statistics Canada, in 2014 Canada's top seven crops were spring wheat, canola or rapeseed, maize or corn, barley, soybeans, durum wheat, and oats. The focus of this article is wheat. Substantial changes have occurred in Canada's wheat industry over the last five years that will likely alter Canada's grain science and research landscape in the coming years. Some of these changes are highlighted. Because private industry and government both recognize the economic importance of grains to Canada, cereal science continues to be a key element of Canada's research activities. The research training opportunities afforded by cereal science for young professionals, in turn, will sustain an industry that converts Canada's agricultural wealth into high-quality baked goods and health-promoting foods. |