North American Seed Fair is continuing to plant the foundation for agriculture after nearly 130 years.
Held annually in conjunction with Ag Expo in Lethbridge, Alta., the North American Seed Fair powered by Seed World Canada is celebrating its 129th year.
It makes it one of the last remaining seed fairs of its kind in North America to operate continuously for more than a century.
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The best of the best from the seed industry are on display during Ag Expo from Feb. 25-27 in the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre.
Why It Matters: Building a seed fair with a rich history of 129 year builds reputation and confidence with those in the agricultural industry in North America with developing trends.
“My grandparents were in the seed business beginning in the late 1950s and ’60s and became involved with the Lethbridge Seed Fair, which is now nearly 130 years old,” said Ryan Mercer, chair of the North American Seed Fair committee in a press release.
“My parents were very, very involved as well, entering samples, serving on the board, directing the fair and encouraging other seed growers to participate. It’s been in our family for generations.”
The North American Seed Fair brings together seed growers from across Canada and the United States to display top-quality samples of pulse crops, cereals and oilseeds.
From wheat destined for bread and pasta to barley used in beer production, the fair connects consumers to the very beginning of the food chain. This year, more than 180 samples were received and judged, a significant increase from recent years.
The fair helps to educate the public on the journey from field to plate.
“They get to know where their bread, their spaghetti and their beer comes from,” said Mercer.
“It’s interesting to take it right from the seed, planting it, harvesting it and seeing how it moves into food processing. Canada has some of the best wheat varieties in the world. That comes from farmers, plant breeders, private investors and government working together. The seed fair is where we get to showcase many of those new and upcoming varieties.”
This year begins a new era for the seed fair, as the Lethbridge & District Agricultural Society is producing the event, working closely with a committee of industry experts.
The fair supports the society’s commitment to agriculture advocacy and education.
“We are proud that LDAS is able to support the North American Seed Fair, as it speaks directly to the impact agriculture has on our economy and way of life in southern Alberta,” said Cody McIntosh, director of Lethbridge & District Agricultural Society.
“People are able to connect directly with people involved in the industry, ask questions and get a better understanding of where their food comes from.”
The fair also emphasizes youth engagement, featuring 4-H artwork and exploring new ways to connect with younger audiences and the broader public.
Seed entries are judged by representatives from the grain trade, seed cleaning industry and food processing sector, ensuring samples meet the highest standards.
“It’s friendly competition,” said Mercer.
“We’re all great friends working toward the common goal of providing top-quality seed to southern Alberta farmers. A little friendly competition never hurts and we have a lot of fun doing it.”
Learn more about the North American Seed Fair at ag-expo.ca.
