Southern Alberta research leaders urge greater collaboration and innovation investment ahead of national agricultural policy discussions.
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald toured Farming Smarter's research farm in Lethbridge this week to gain first-hand insight into how collaborative agronomy research is supporting producers and strengthening the agriculture sector.
The visit comes ahead of a key meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers in Halifax on July 16, where discussions will help inform priorities for the next Agricultural Policy Framework. The successor to the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will guide investments and programming from 2028 through 2033.
For Farming Smarter Executive Director Ken Coles, the visit was an opportunity to demonstrate how collaboration among farmers, researchers, industry partners, and governments can accelerate innovation and improve farm sustainability.
"We want to be engaged in that conversation to ensure that there is a voice for groups like ourselves and the innovation we can accomplish, both in the primary production and value-added sectors," said Coles.
Representatives from across southern Alberta's agriculture industry joined the visit, including producers, agri-business professionals, and researchers. Together, they highlighted the role that regional research organizations play in testing new production practices, evaluating technologies, and helping farmers adopt innovations more quickly.
Breaking Down Research Silos
According to Coles, one of the biggest opportunities in the next policy framework is improving coordination within Canada's agricultural innovation system.
"There needs to be changes that will encourage active collaboration and participation in this future framework," he said. "I think the agricultural innovation system is working in silos rather than functioning as a whole."
Coles noted that organizations such as Farming Smarter are helping bridge gaps between research institutions, governments, and producers, ensuring that innovation reaches farms more efficiently.
"One of our goals is to help bridge some of those gaps and continue to ensure that Canadian agriculture is world-renowned, and that our farmers are very successful and sustainable," he added.
The comments reflect a broader discussion occurring across the sector as industry leaders seek ways to improve knowledge transfer, extension services, and applied research capacity.
A Strategic Region for Canadian Agriculture
Southern Alberta represents one of Canada's most productive agricultural regions, making it an ideal location to showcase the impact of research and innovation.
Coles emphasized the scale of the region's farming industry, noting that approximately 14 million acres are farmed south of Highway 1, including about 1.7 million irrigated acres.
Given the size and diversity of the region, he believes stronger partnerships between local research organizations and the federal government can complement the work already being conducted through federal research stations.
Canada's agricultural sector operates under a shared federal-provincial responsibility, creating opportunities for collaborative approaches that address both national and regional priorities.
Investment Critical to Future Growth
Coles described the upcoming policy discussions as a significant opportunity to strengthen Canada's agricultural competitiveness and rebuild research and extension capacity.
"I think it is incredibly important for the minister to see first-hand the value and impact that we have," said Coles. "We are pleased that he could experience this solution for rebuilding research and extension capacity, not just here in southern Alberta, but across the country."
He added that continued investment in agricultural innovation will be essential to maintaining Canada's global reputation as a leading food producer.
"Investment in agriculture has never been more critical, and Minister MacDonald reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the sector. We now have an opportunity for the country to not lose that capacity, and instead, transform it into something more effective."
Minister Highlights Importance of Partnerships
During the visit, Minister MacDonald underscored the role that collaboration and innovation play in maintaining a resilient and competitive agricultural sector.
"Farming Smarter's research shows just how much can be accomplished when farmers and innovators work side by side," said MacDonald. "This level of collaboration is exactly what keeps our agricultural sector strong, competitive, and resilient."
The minister also highlighted the federal government's commitment to working with provincial and territorial partners as the next policy framework takes shape.
MacDonald added that innovation will remain a key driver of future growth across Canada's agriculture and agri-food industries.
"Innovation is what will shape the future of our agriculture and agri-food sector and Farming Smarter is a clear example of that future taking form. Strong partnerships between producers and agri-food companies drives growth across the entire industry. That is how we build long-term, generational success."
As governments begin discussions on the framework that will guide agricultural investments into the next decade, organizations like Farming Smarter are making the case that stronger collaboration, regional partnerships, and applied research will be essential to ensuring Canada's producers remain competitive in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
Photo Caption: Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald (second from right) listens to Amanda Crook of McCain Foods (seen from behind) address how active collaboration between agri-food businesses and non-profit research organizations benefits the agriculture industry on a tour of Farming Smarter's research farm July 7.
Photo Credit: Farming Smarter Association