Data Projects to Deliver Practical Tools for Alberta Producers

Seven new projects will use genomics data, AI and advanced analytics to improve livestock productivity, manage crop disease and pests, support pollinator health and strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance.

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Genome Alberta, with support from the Government of Alberta, is pleased to announce seven new projects with a total value of $5.9 million that will turn Alberta's agricultural genomics data into practical tools and information for producers.

Through the Genomics Data Connect initiatives, funding has been awarded to support projects addressing challenges across Alberta agriculture, including cattle productivity, clubroot and flea beetle management in canola, livestock parasites and honeybee health. In addition, a collaborative One Health project will improve how antimicrobial resistance data are connected across human, animal, agricultural and environmental settings.

The agriculture sector generates increasingly large volumes of genomic and other biological data, but much of this information remains isolated, and organizations may not have the internal expertise to maximize its value. These projects will build on high-quality datasets generated through previous research, better integrate different sources of information and create AI-ready data resources that can be analyzed using artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced tools.

The goal is to move data toward practical application: helping producers better forecast risk, manage disease, optimize breeding and improve crop and livestock performance.

"Alberta has built high-quality genomics data resources through years of research investment. The opportunity now is to connect that information and put it to work," says David Bailey, President and CEO, Genome Alberta. "These projects bring researchers, industry and producer organizations together to turn complex data into practical tools that can support better decisions, improve productivity and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of Alberta agriculture."

"Genome's research shows that genomics and AI can make agriculture better, faster and smarter, and that's good for our economy, our crops and livestock, our farmers, and Albertans as a whole."

- Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister, Alberta Technology and Innovation

"With better data on genomics and analytics, Alberta farmers can make better-informed decisions about their crops and their livestock, leading to healthier livestock and better crop yields. Genome Alberta is leading the way on ensuring Alberta farmers have access to the data they need to innovate, adapt and compete while keeping Alberta at the forefront of agricultural science innovation."

- Honourable Tara Sawyer, Minister, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation

Turning Agriculture Data into Practical Solutions

Six focused projects, under the Genomics Data Connect: Accelerating Agriculture Innovation initiative, will advance tools and resources across livestock, crops and pollinator health resulting in:

• More precise cattle selection for Alberta production environments: Helping producers better match cattle genetics to their specific production environments and improve selection for economically important traits including health, fertility, feed efficiency and carcass quality.
• Faster clubroot diagnostics for canola: Providing better pathogen information to help producers, breeders and industry make more informed decisions about disease management and deployment of resistant canola varieties.
• Better prediction and management of flea beetles: Improving understanding of the genes involved in flea beetle overwintering and spring emergence to help producers anticipate outbreaks and identify potential targets for future species-specific controls.
• Accelerated discovery of new treatments for livestock parasites: Using AI to accelerate the search for new approaches to control drug-resistant parasitic roundworms affecting cattle and sheep.
• AI-enabled identification of clubroot pathotypes: Providing more detailed information about the clubroot strains present in fields, supporting disease monitoring and helping inform the selection and development of resistant canola genetics.
• Earlier indicators of stress in honeybees: Analyzing genomic data from honeybee gut microbes to support future diagnostic tools for earlier detection of agrochemical stress and contribute to healthier pollinator populations and more resilient crop pollination.

Connecting Antimicrobial Resistance Data (AMR) Across Alberta

The Genomics Data Connect: One Health Antimicrobial Resistance initiative, supported and delivered in partnership with Alberta Innovates, addresses a pressing challenge involving data that spans agriculture, human health and the environment.

• Advancing Alberta's One Health AMR Framework for Action through better connected AMR surveillance: Mapping existing AMR surveillance resources in Alberta and integrating genomic information from agricultural, environmental and clinical settings. The project will also develop resources to better understand how AMR genes move between environments and provide recommendations to support more coordinated AMR surveillance across the province.

"Antimicrobial resistance doesn't distinguish boundaries between human health, agriculture and the environment, so our response can't either. That's why a One Health approach matters. By bringing together data, expertise, and partners from across multiple sectors, we're building a better understanding of how resistance spreads and where we can take action. This initiative is a strong example of how collaboration can turn data into practical insights that support better decisions and better outcomes for Albertans."

- Cheryl Holden, Vice President, Health Innovation, Alberta Innovates

Genomics Data Connect supports collaboration across agriculture research communities, industry stakeholders, producer organizations and other innovation partners to improve data accessibility and move data-driven solutions toward practical use.

Funding for Genomics Data Connect comes from Genome Alberta, with support from the Government of Alberta.

Learn more about these projects: genomealberta.ca/project-portfolio/

About Genome Alberta

Genome Alberta is working towards a better future through genomics innovation. Our mission is to promote and support genomics solutions to create value and investment opportunities through excellent science, technology and application development, collaborations, and partnerships. We work on priority areas in health, agriculture, environment & energy, and forestry, driving growth across sectors while helping to develop Alberta's next generation of talented innovators.

For more information about Genome Alberta, please visit genomealberta.ca.

SOURCE Genome Alberta

Media Inquiries: Erin Tessier, Director of Communications and Partnerships, Genome Alberta, [email protected], 587-643-9973