Saskatoon, Sask. (Rural Roots Canada) – BASF Agricultural Solutions is spending $27 million to expand its canola breeding centre in Saskatoon, with construction expected to run from this spring through the end of 2027.
The company said the expansion will add breeding capacity and new automation technology to the facility, which serves as the development hub for BASF’s InVigor hybrid canola line, now in its 30th year.
The upgrades are aimed at speeding up the development of new canola varieties by using genomic selection to make faster, more precise breeding decisions. A new research glasshouse will also be built to support work on disease resistance and agronomic performance.
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“For three decades, Canadian farmers have relied on InVigor hybrid canola for its consistent performance and yield advantage,” said Leta LaRush, vice-president of BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada. “This investment strengthens our ability to bring forward the next generation of high-performing hybrids.”
BASF said the Saskatoon facility supports breeding programs not only for Canadian growers but also for operations in Europe and Australia.
BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is based in Calgary and employs more than 625 people across production facilities in Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Regina. More information is available at agsolutions.ca.
