Saskatoon-based Canterra Seeds has entered into an international research partnership with Groupe Limagrain of France.

The two companies will develop and test new cereal varieties, with a particular focus on wheat.

"By passing Bill C-18 and ratifying UPOV 91, Canada is finally on a level playing field with the rest of the international plant breeding community," said David Hansen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canterra Seeds. "For Canterra Seeds, this has thrown open the door to new opportunities we can pass on to our customers."

The government says the recent ratification of UPOV-91 in Canada gives companies like Canterra and Limagrain greater incentive to increase investment in research and development.

"Today's partnership announcement is a great example of how the Agricultural Growth Act is delivering for Canadian producers," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "New and innovative partnerships like these create new research and trade opportunities that further invigorate Canada's modern, competitive wheat industry."

Completion of the agreement is expected to be done by the end of September.