Our mission is to coordinate research and market use expansion for the advancement of the Canary seed industry for the benefit of growers and other stakeholders.
Canary seed as human food
In early 2016, the Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan obtained novel food approval for dehulled glabrous (hairless) Canary seed in both Canada and the United States. Since then, the Commission has been working to develop this market using the Spanish name for Canary seed, alpiste, to differentiate it from bird seed.
We have contracted Synthesis Agri-Food Network to conduct discovery calls with food manufacturers in the spring of 2025. Each manufacturer will receive a box containing alpiste seed, flakes, and flour, pancake mix, and a granola bar created by the Saskatchewan Food Centre, as well as documents outlining alpiste’s nutrition and sensory profile and reasons for incorporating it into food products.
Stay tuned for more developments.
Canary seed producers eligible for tax credits
For the 2023-24 year ending July 31, 2024, Canary seed producers may claim 31 per cent of their checkoff contributions as a qualifying SR&ED expenditure on their tax return.
Registered Buyers
The registered buyers list includes companies registered to collect and submit the Canary seed levy.