REGINA, SK – July 2, 2025 – FP Genetics and Valesco Genetics are pleased to announce a significant step forward in North American field pea breeding. As Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) continues to evolve its role in variety development, FP Genetics and Valesco Genetics have secured commercial access to AAFC’s field pea germplasm, including exclusive access to some mid-generation breeding material.
Since 2018, FP Genetics and Valesco Genetics have partnered closely with AAFC’s Lacombe-based field pea development program, led by award-winning research scientist Dr. D.J. Bing, contributing to the advancement of high-performing field pea varieties tailored to North American agriculture. The two companies are now poised to build on this foundation and continue its legacy by working collaboratively with AAFC to ensure a smooth transition.
“AAFC’s Lacombe pea program led by Dr. D.J. Bing has been instrumental in developing robust, high-yielding pea varieties to the benefit of farmers,” says Chris Churko, CEO of FP Genetics. “By gaining commercial access to this breeding material, we’re in a strong position to bring even more innovation to the pulse crop sector.”
FP Genetics and Valesco Genetics will continue their collaborative work, building on AAFC’s decades of research in the breeding continuum and advancing new varieties from the acquired genetic material. This partnership ensures that pea growers will continue to benefit from the research, development, and breeding efforts that are rooted in the Lacombe program.
Mark Kok, of Valesco Genetics states “This acquisition allows us to continue the momentum brought forth by AAFC’s efforts and bring forward new, improved varieties for the benefit of growers. It’s a win for innovation, and a win for producers and food manufactures of North America.”
“AAFC aims to be an innovation partner – not a competitor – to the private sector, and this is a clear example of that philosophy in action,” says Francois Eudes, Director of Research and Technology at AAFC. “As private research capacity grows, we are committed to sharing our decades of genetics and genomic expertise, and will continue to support the development of high-performing varieties for producers through investment in pulse crop trait and germplasm development.”
The companies remain committed to delivering high-quality genetics that support sustainable and profitable farming practices. More information on upcoming variety releases will be shared as the development pipeline progresses.
About FP Genetics
FP Genetics is a Canadian based seed development and distribution company that delivers the best-performing genetics to farmers through a network of over 175 seed grower shareholders. FP Genetics is dedicated to enhancing farm profitability through innovation, quality, and farmer-focused variety development….. ensuring FARMING WINS!
About Valesco Genetics
Valesco Genetics is a US based breeding and distribution company with a 20-year history of identifying superior varietal agronomic traits and ingredient functionality in the pulse sector and distributing them through its associate network and product licensing. It is the goal of Valesco Genetics to deliver products that ensure growers the best possible opportunity for success while providing the functionality manufacturers require empowering agriculture to Grow Stronger.