About the CDC
The Crop Development Centre (CDC) was established in 1971 with a mandate to improve economic returns for farmers and the agriculture industry of western Canada by improving existing crops, creating new uses for traditional crops, and developing new crops. We are a field crop research organization within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.
Focusing on plant breeding and pathology, CDC scientists deploy the latest scientific advances to improve the agronomic and end-use performances of spring wheat, durum, canaryseed, barley, oat, flax, field pea, lentil, chickpea, dry bean, fababean and soybean. Since our inception, we have released over 500 commercial varieties in over 40 different crop types, a remarkable achievement in 50 years from a dedicated group with a strong commitment to the CDC mandate! The CDC is intimately linked to the successful diversification of crop production in Saskatchewan, and it is a recognized name on Saskatchewan farms.
Directors message
At the CDC, we are shaping the future of the agri-food sector. Our strength lies in the deep roots we have cultivated through decades of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Our integration within the Department of Plant Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources has created a dynamic foundation of science, technology, and infrastructure that will continue to propel us forward. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our stakeholders. Our long-standing relationship with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture—alongside strategic alliances with producer commissions, industry leaders, and growers—has been instrumental in our success and will continue to drive transformative growth going forward.
As we look to the future, we reaffirm our vision as a trusted source of high-performing varieties for both domestic and international markets. Our research will remain bold, strategic, and globally relevant—driven by curiosity, precision, and purpose. Our people are at the heart of this vision. Their collective expertise, creativity, and collaboration form the backbone of our innovation. It is through their insight and dedication that we continue to break new ground. With deliberate action and visionary thinking, the CDC is poised to lead with impact—across Canada and on the global stage.
Dr. Curtis Pozniak
Success grows our future
For over 50 years, the Crop Development Centre has contributed to the growth of western Canadian agriculture by developing over 500 crop varieties in over 30 different crop types for producers.
The CDC is an integral part of the Department of Plant Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. An advantage that uniquely positions the CDC to attract resources, while also benefitting from facilities and resources provided by the University, College and Department.
Researchers in the CDC and the Department of Plant Sciences share expertise in disciplines such as agronomy, pathology, entomology, physiology and genomics, biotechnology, and digital agriculture to ensure future cop varieties provide higher returns to producers. Together they offer world-class multidisciplinary training and real-world experience in crop development programs that align well with the needs of the industry.