Government of Canada launches engagement on the future of agricultural science

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has been conducting agricultural research in Canada for nearly 140 years. The department is Canada's largest agricultural science organization, with partners and facilities in every province and strong collaborations across industry, academia, and international networks.

Today, AAFC is launching Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science, a national initiative to gather perspectives from agricultural producers, industry, research institutions, governments, Indigenous partners and other stakeholders to inform the department's future research agenda.

Through engagement activities beginning in fall 2026, AAFC is inviting partners and stakeholders to share their perspectives on emerging challenges, future scientific needs, regional priorities and opportunities. This will help identify how AAFC's scientific efforts can best respond to the needs of the sector, as well as support greater collaboration across Canada's agricultural science ecosystem. Targeted engagement sessions for stakeholders and partners will begin in November 2026. An online portal will also be available to support broader input.

Shaping the Future of AAFC Science 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 engagement sessions will provide complementary opportunities to provide feedback on the science needed to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Quote

"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. 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,"

   -    The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

• AAFC continues to work in partnership with industry, academia, Indigenous communities and international networks.
• AAFC will offer a range of opportunities for interested parties to contribute to the development of its future Research Agenda including:
  • A series of targeted engagement sessions for partners and stakeholders;
  • An online engagement platform which will invite partners and stakeholders to share perspectives;
  • And a national Science Forum in 2027, to continue the discussion on shared science priorities.

Quick link

• Shaping the future of AAFC science

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Contacts: For media: Jennica Klassen, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]