Havovinton soybean is a large-seeded, high protein cultivar suited for making quality tofu. Developed by Dr. Richard Buzzell, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Harrow Research Centre, the variety is especially valued by Japanese tofu producers who call it “Asian Pearl” and have made it the nation’s soybean industry standard. In its 15-year market history, Harovinton’s resistance to root rot and tolerance for the metribuzin herbicide have encouraged consistent yields in growing regions across Ontario and abroad. The variety’s success has helped foster the development of Canada’s Identity Preserved system for export food grade soybeans, a world-leading IP program. Harovinton has helped parent many other Ontario-developed food grade soy varieties.
Harovinton soybean, developed by Dr. Richard Buzzell at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Harrow Research Centre, was named Seed of the Year Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at a recognition event at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Harovinton’s success, particularly in the Japanese tofu market, has played a crucial role in fostering the development of Canada’s identity preserved food grade soybean export market.

Three other finalists for Seed of the Year were also recognized at the event. Harus wheat, developed by Abe Teich of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s Harrow Research Centre; OAC Prudence, a soybean variety developed by University of Guelph Prof. Istvan Rajcan; and OAC Rex, a white bean variety developed by Guelph Prof. Peter Pauls, former professor Tom Michaels, and technician Tom Smith, were also recognized for their contributions to the agri-food sector.

Through the Seed of the Year application process, public breeders are encouraged to highlight their research accomplishments in developing a new field crop, forage, fruit, vegetable or herb variety. Any publicly developed Canadian variety is eligible to compete.

The competition has been designed by the University of Guelph and SeCan with support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Ontario Bean Producers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Soybean Growers and Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board.

Go to table of soybeans varieties