SaskBarley Opens 2026 Scholarship Program, Continues Partnership with Labatt
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2026 (Saskatoon, SK) — The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 SaskBarley Scholarship Program, supporting students whose research advances barley production, sustainability, and end-use innovation in Canada.
SaskBarley is once again partnering with Labatt Breweries of Canada (Labatt) to expand support for graduate students, with dedicated funding for both Masters and PhD scholarships.
The program provides financial support to Canadian university students conducting research that delivers practical value for barley producers and strengthens the barley value chain—from farm to feedlot, malt house, and brewery.
“Investing in up-and-coming researchers is investing in the future of barley production,” said Cody Glenn, Chair of SaskBarley. “Through this program, we are supporting the next generation of researchers whose work will help farmers stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of the industry.”
Through the continued partnership, Labatt-supported scholarships will help increase the support of graduate students working on barley-related research across Canada.
“At Labatt, brewing great beer starts with Canadian barley, grown by Canadian Farmers,” said Jeff Ryan, Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs at Labatt Breweries of Canada. “Labatt is proud to continue our partnership with SaskBarley, supporting graduate student research, whose work will contribute to the innovation and sustained quality of Canadian barley.”
The 2026 program will offer:
- PhD Scholarships – $6,000
- MSc Scholarships – $4,000
- Undergraduate Scholarship – $2,000
Graduate scholarships are open to students at Canadian universities whose research aligns with priorities identified by Saskatchewan barley farmers and industry stakeholders. Areas of focus may include agronomy, plant breeding, crop protection, soil and nutrient management, precision agriculture, and end-use functionality in feed, malt, and brewing.
SaskBarley will also continue to offer its undergraduate scholarship to a University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture and Bioresources student completing a barley-focused thesis.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2026 SaskBarley Scholarship Program must be submitted by October 9, 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified later in the fall.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit saskbarley.com.
Media Contact:
Serra McSymytz, Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission
smcsymytz@saskbarley.com
Paige Sulek, Corporate Communications Manager
Labatt Breweries of Canada
mediaenquiry@labatt.com
About SaskBarley
SaskBarley is a producer-led development commission that represents barley producers across Saskatchewan. Through research investments, market development, and grower engagement, SaskBarley works to ensure long-term profitability and sustainability for barley in the province.
About Labatt Breweries of Canada
Labatt Breweries is one of Canada’s founding businesses and its leading beverage company, with over 3,600 employees; an unmatched portfolio of over 70 quality beers, ready-to-drink, and non-alcoholic products; six breweries and four craft breweries from coast-to-coast. Through 176 years of brewing excellence, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and made a meaningful impact in our communities through a collective purpose of creating a Future with More Cheers.
