Engagement on the future of agriculture science in Canada

Oct 28, 2026 | 12:47 PM

The federal government has been conducting agricultural research for nearly 140 years. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) department is Canada’s largest agricultural science organization, with partners and facilities in every province and collaborations across industry, academia, and international networks.

To help chart a future course for research, AAFC will conduct a national initiative to gather perspectives on the department’s future agenda. It’s seeking input from agricultural producers, industry, research institutions, governments, Indigenous partners and other stakeholders.

Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science will begin in November to address challenges, future scientific needs, and regional priorities to help AAFC identify how it’s scientific efforts can best respond to the needs of the sector.

AAFC Minister Heath MacDonald said science and innovation are essential to the future of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

“As we look ahead, we must work together to understand the challenges facing producers and the opportunities emerging across the sector,” MacDonald said. “This is an opportunity for our partners and stakeholders to help identify where our research can make the greatest difference, where collaboration can deliver greater impact, and how we can best position Canadian agriculture to meet the needs of tomorrow.”

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The initiative is part of AAFC’s broader efforts to support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food into the future. With discussions underway on the next agricultural policy framework and other sector priorities, the sessions will provide opportunities to provide feedback on the science needed to address the challenges facing the sector.

Discussions will also include an online engagement platform which will invite perspectives on agriculture research. A national Science Forum will be held in 2027.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Pattison Media

Engagement on the future of agriculture science in Canada

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