Bayer Crop Science Canada Redefines Canola Innovation With New "Advancing Better Canola" Initiative

Why the ABCs?
Canola innovation requires more than incremental improvements. The Bayer ABCs focus on genuine partnerships, a connected system, and how to address complex, on-farm challenges for Canadian farmers.

"With decades of experience behind us, we’re ready to embrace a future where canola’s potential expands in ways we’re only beginning to imagine," says Antoine Bernet, Country Division Head, Crop Science Canada. "Advancing Better Canola is our commitment to building real, connected systems that will make canola resilient, profitable, and sustainable for the next generation of farmers."

Key points
The Bayer ABCs will change how Bayer shows up in the canola industry. The initiative is built on three strategic commitments:

• Leadership: Taking action by better understanding grower needs, collaborating with industry stakeholders, and advocating for emerging issues.
• Transparency: Sharing progress, challenges, and insights openly to rebuild trust in innovation.
• Ecosystem empowerment: Creating integrated systems where genetics, agronomy, crop protection, and digital tools work seamlessly together.

Examples of Bayer ABCs

• $45 million Canola Innovation Centre: In early 2026, Bayer Crop Science Canada announced a major investment into cutting-edge infrastructure in Winnipeg, MB dedicated to the fundamental research and breakthroughs that will drive change in areas like root biology, climate resilience, and crop efficiency.
• Integrated investments: Bayer Crop Science Canada has made several investments to establish an integrated, end-to-end canola seed production network in Cranbrook, BC, Lethbridge, AB, and Coaldale, AB. These are designed to enhance control over the entire seed process, from breeding to packaging.
• Putting customers first: In 2024, Bayer announced its new operating model, Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO), to deliver faster innovation, and focus on what customers – including farmers – need today and tomorrow.

“Advancing Better Canola is designed to bring farmers and industry partners together to listen, convene and understand integrated approaches in the field,” said Shaun Corneillie, North American Canola, Cereals & Biofuels Lead, Bayer Crop Science. “As growers navigate weather variability, cost pressure, and market uncertainty, they need practical ideas that work in day-to-day farming and an ecosystem of partners they can trust.”

Advancing Better Canola FAQs

• Timing: The ABCs initiative launches in 2026 and will roll out throughout the year and beyond.
• What the ABCs include: The Advancing Better Canola initiative includes partnerships, thought leadership on the future of canola, transparent dialogue on innovation challenges, and field-based demonstrations of integrated systems in action.
• Bayer’s role: Through the three (3) ABC strategic commitments, Bayer seeks to strengthen the future of the entire canola ecosystem.

“Innovation should add clarity, not complication,” adds Bernet. “With Advancing Better Canola, Bayer seeks to strengthen how the canola ecosystem builds for the future.”