Genetics and Plant Breeding Seed trait development continues to evolve beyond traditional breeding – targeting increased yield, greater insect, disease and drought tolerance and resistance, crop protection tolerance, and efficiencies in nutrient and water use. • Pod shatter trait: Confers resiliency to canola pods so that crops can be straight combined without the loss of seed. A reduction in the number of operational passes required to harvest these canola varieties contributes directly to an on-farm reduction of emission levels, compaction to soils, economic savings to the grower, and an overall improvement in sustainable cropping practices. • Midge tolerant wheat: Less crop protection application required to grow wheat crops. • Genetically modified (GM) crops: The introduction of GM canola reduces production costs and crop loss to insect, disease and weed pressures, resulting in increased yields. • 20% herbicide use reduction annually • Reduced soil tillage requirement per growing season • Cuts fuel consumption by 500,000 automobile equivalent annually
Canadian Certified Seed
Typically, the seed pipeline includes the contra seasonal production of canola seed in the southern hemisphere, with only 3% to 5% made available to Western Canadian growers. Richardson sources over 95% planting seed directly from Western Canadian producers.
95% - 97% bulk seed sourced • Wheat • Barley • Oats
RICHARDSON INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2022 | 27
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