Every year, regional variety trials (RVTs) are conducted across Alberta to provide regional performance information on emerging crop varieties, as compared to common and well-established varieties. This information allows farmers to confidently decide which varieties will perform best in their area. The trials have been ongoing since 1995, and are funded by Alberta Barley and several other agricultural organizations. The Agricultural Research Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) co-ordinated the RVT program from 2005 to 2008, and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD) now co-ordinates the program, in partnership with ARECA and the private sector.

ARECA consists of 13 Applied Research Associations (ARAs) located throughout the province, seven of which grow barley test plots for the RVTs.

Participating partner ARAs:

• North Peace Applied Research Association (NPARA)
• Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA)
• Farming Smarter (Formerly SARA & SACA)
• Gateway Research Organization (GRO)
• Battle River Research Group (BRRG)
• Lakeland Agricultural Research Association (LARA)
• Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association (SARDA)