Bayer to build Winnipeg canola facility

Bayer Crop Science will build a new canola research and development facility in Winnipeg in what is one of their largest investments in Canada to date.

The company announced the $45 million facility at the end of January, saying the new facility will strengthen Canada’s leadership in canola innovation by establishing what they’re calling an “innovation” centre.

The facility will house seed development work for canola, camelina and winter canola, focusing on trait integration, yield trial seed processing and seed quality analysis.

Antoine Bernet, country division head for Crop Science Canada said this long-term investment demonstrates their commitment to canola in Canada.

“Through this world-class innovation facility, Canadian farmers will benefit from opportunities for faster genetic gains such as increased yield and enhanced agronomic performance,” he said. “It will also accelerate breeding efforts towards superior product performance and support expanded herbicide tolerance and weed control options.”

Mike Graham, Crop Science research and development lead, said it’s the right time and location for this investment.

“Over the last few years our canola breeding program has been completely redesigned through next generation precision breeding capabilities,” he said. “These shifts have enabled us to greatly accelerate genetic gain, build industry- leading disease resistance, drive increase in field data collection that improve product positioning, and enable delivery at scale of expanded herbicide tolerance trait options.”

Graham said this investment supports the shift and will advance innovation in canola and biofuels.

Design for the facility begins in 2026, and Bayer expects it to be fully operational by the end of 2028.

No other Bayer assets in Manitoba will be impacted.

Their current Smartpark site in Winnipeg will continue to perform early breeding workflows for canola while the current Carman site will focus on being a multi-crop nursery field operation.