The federal government is seeking input from farmers, industry groups and other stakeholders on the future direction of agricultural research in Canada.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced Wednesday the launch of Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science, a national initiative aimed at identifying future research priorities and strengthening collaboration across the agricultural sector.
According to a federal release, the consultations will focus on emerging challenges, scientific needs, regional priorities, and opportunities for greater cooperation among government, industry, and research institutions.
Earlier this year, the federal government revealed plans to close seven agricultural research operations across the country as part of broader spending reductions. Those closures included research centres in Guelph, Ont., Quebec City and Lacombe, Alta., along with four satellite research farms in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
AAFC said the new consultation process will help shape its future research agenda and determine how federal scientific resources can best respond to the evolving needs of Canadian agriculture.
Targeted engagement sessions involving producers, industry representatives, researchers, governments and Indigenous partners will begin in November. An online platform will also allow broader participation.
The consultations will complement ongoing discussions surrounding the next federal-provincial agricultural policy framework and other industry priorities.
A national Science Forum is also planned for 2027 to continue discussions on shared research priorities.
The department said feedback gathered through the initiative will help identify where federal research can have the greatest impact and where additional collaboration could benefit Canadian agriculture.
