As a result of this investment, a new facility in Sussex, New Brunswick, will be home to an advanced growing facility that will produce up to four million seedlings annually through a process called somatic embryogenesis.

Somatic embryogenesis is a plant propagation method that allows for rapid, mass production of genetically superior, naturally selected tree varieties. This process offers many advantages over conventional breeding, with the results being faster-growing trees, a higher quantity and quality of wood fibre, and lower operational costs.

This process was invented by Dr. Jan Bonga, and further developed by Dr. Yill Sung Park, both research scientists in forest genetics with Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service.

The project will also apply and commercialize Irving’s patented Endophyte-Enhanced Seedling Technology that improves the tolerance of conifer species to various insect and fungal pests. The use of this endophyte technology will be a first in the forest industry worldwide and enable Irving to inoculate tens of millions of trees, further improving insect and disease tolerance, while also reducing the use of pesticides. 

As a result, Irving will produce superior and pest-tolerant seedlings for reforestation, and will seek commercial opportunities for the unique varieties and technologies it develops.

Once completed, the new facility will create two new jobs over the next two years (in addition to the current three) and at least five additional jobs over the next four to five years.

This project aligns with the goals of the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program through the demonstration of a new innovative technology in Canada’s forest sector.