Winter wheat provides critical habitat for ducks, birds, and other wildlife by providing additional foliage and groundcover for nesting in the spring that otherwise wouldn’t be available.
Like you, we care about the environment and supporting local food. That’s why Canadian grain farmers are always striving to have a positive environmental impact through responsible farming practices.
Winter Wheat Ecolabel Program
Growing Western Canadian Winter Wheat is one of the simplest ways farmers can support the nesting habitats of Canadian wildlife on the prairies, which is proven by research conducted by Ducks Unlimited Canada.
The ecolabel will help you identify food and drink items made using Western Canadian Winter Wheat. With the Habitat-Friendly Winter Wheat ecolabel, Canadians can feel confident that the choices they make are having a positive impact on the environment by supporting wildlife habitats.
Benefits of the Ecolabel program
Protecting Canadian wildlife
Making sustainable choices
The Habitat-Friendly Winter Wheat Ecolabel helps you identify the environmentally friendly products you are looking for to help make a difference.
Supporting local farmers
Western Canadian winter wheat offers a variety of operational and economic benefits that further support grower sustainability goals.
Buy Ecolabel Products
Look for the winter wheat ecolabel on these products and start helping wildlife habitats.
Our Story
Farming and wildlife can live better together.
Farming and wildlife can live better together.
Starting in the 1970s, Ducks Unlimited Canada noticed pintail populations were declining due to habitat loss. The Canadian conservation organization became interested in how farming and wildlife can live better together. This led to the discovery that winter wheat is a great option for farmers that also benefits upland nesting birds. Studies show that ducks nesting in winter wheat are 24 times more successful than those nesting in spring planted cereal crops. To encourage the use of winter wheat, we created the Winter Wheat Ecolabel Program to help Canadians make informed and sustainable purchases decisions.
Success Stories
Nov 1, 2021
Beam Suntory: Partner Feature
Since 2014, Beam Suntory has been a world leader in premium spirits. Locally, Beam Suntory operates Alberta Distillers Ltd. In Calgary, Alberta where they produce
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Nov 1, 2021
Soulanges Mills: Partner Feature
Soulanges Mills is a proud partner to farmers, millers, bakers and pastry makers. They’ve developed, produced and marketed specialty flours that meet the needs of
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Oct 7, 2021
Turn your Spring into Winter
Consumers are demanding more from those who put food on their plates. They want to feel confident that the ingredients that nourish their bodies and
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Endorsed by Ducks Unlimited Canada
The Habitat-Friendly Winter Wheat claim is endorsed by Ducks Unlimited Canada and backed by extensive research, demonstrating that winter wheat provides additional nesting habitat for wildlife—especially waterfowl and songbirds—on the Canadian Prairies.