Ottawa, Ont. (Rural Roots Canada) – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is seeking input from producers, industry and research partners to help shape the future of agricultural science in Canada.
The AAFC has launched a national engagement initiative to identify emerging challenges, future scientific needs, regional priorities and opportunities for collaboration across the agricultural sector.
The initiative, called Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science, will include targeted engagement sessions beginning in November, an online platform for stakeholder input and a national Science Forum in 2027.
AAFC says the feedback will help determine how its research can best respond to the needs of the sector and strengthen collaboration across Canada’s agricultural science community.
“Science and innovation are essential to the future of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector,” said Health MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in a statement. “As we look ahead, we must work together to understand the challenges facing producers and the opportunities emerging across the sector.”
Related: MacDonald says ag research remains a priority amid ongoing concerns over AAFC cuts
He added that this is an opportunity for partners and stakeholders to help identify where research can make the greatest difference, deliver greater impact, and how to better position Canadian agriculture to “meet the needs of tomorrow.”
The department is inviting agricultural producers, industry representatives, research institutions, governments, Indigenous partners and other stakeholders to participate.
The AAFC has conducted agricultural research in Canada for nearly 140 years. It is the country’s largest agricultural science organization, with partners and facilities in every province and collaborations spanning industry, academia and international networks.
In January, the federal government shuttered multiple research centres across the country and slashed hundreds of jobs as part of budget cuts at the AAFC, raising concerns among agriculture groups about Canada’s agricultural research capacity and the future direction of federal research programs.
