Seven genomics projects aim to improve livestock, crop health, pollinators, and disease monitoring
Alberta is making a major investment in agricultural innovation through seven new genomics and data science projects designed to provide practical solutions for farmers and producers. Supported by Genome Alberta and the Government of Alberta, the projects represent a combined investment of $5.9 million and focus on turning agricultural data into useful tools that can support better decision-making across the sector.
Modern agriculture generates large amounts of biological and genomic data every year. However, much of this valuable information remains separated across different databases and organizations. The new initiatives aim to bridge these gaps by connecting data sources and creating advanced resources that can be analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced analytics.
The overall goal of the program is to help producers improve productivity, manage risks, optimize breeding programs, and strengthen crop and livestock performance. By transforming research findings into practical tools, the projects are expected to deliver benefits that can be used directly on farms and ranches.
Six of the projects are part of the Genomics Data Connect: Accelerating Agriculture Innovation initiative. These projects focus on some of the most important challenges facing Alberta’s agricultural industry, including livestock productivity, crop diseases, pest management, parasite control, and pollinator health.
One project aims to improve cattle selection by helping producers better match cattle genetics to local production environments. This work will support the selection of animals with desirable traits such as fertility, feed efficiency, health, and carcass quality. Better genetic information can help producers make more informed breeding decisions and improve herd performance over time.
Another project focuses on clubroot, a damaging disease that affects canola crops. Researchers will develop faster diagnostic tools that provide more detailed information about pathogens in the field. This information can help producers and breeders make better disease management decisions and support the use of resistant canola varieties.
"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," said 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."
Flea beetles remain one of the most challenging pests for canola growers. A dedicated project will study the genes associated with flea beetle survival during winter and their emergence in spring. Improved knowledge of pest behavior could allow producers to better predict outbreaks and develop more effective control strategies.
"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," said Nate Glubish, Minister of Alberta Technology and Innovation.
Livestock producers will also benefit from a project that uses AI to speed up the search for new treatments against drug-resistant parasitic roundworms. These parasites affect both cattle and sheep and can have a significant impact on animal health and productivity. The use of advanced analytics may help identify new treatment options more efficiently than traditional methods.
A separate initiative will use AI-powered tools to identify different clubroot pathotypes. Understanding the specific strains present in fields can improve disease monitoring efforts and support the development of stronger resistance in future canola varieties.
Pollinator health is another key area of focus. Researchers will analyze genomic information from honeybee gut microbes to identify early signs of stress caused by agricultural chemicals and other environmental pressures. The findings could contribute to future diagnostic tools that help protect pollinator populations, which are essential for many crop production systems.
The seventh project takes a broader approach through the Genomics Data Connect: One Health Antimicrobial Resistance initiative. This effort recognizes that antimicrobial resistance affects human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment. The project will bring together information from these areas to improve surveillance and monitoring systems.
"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," said Tara Sawyer, Minister, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation.
Researchers will map existing antimicrobial resistance resources and combine genomic information from agricultural, environmental, and clinical sources. The initiative will also help scientists understand how resistance genes move between different environments and identify opportunities for better coordination in monitoring efforts across the province.
The projects highlight the growing role of genomics, AI, and data analytics in modern agriculture. By connecting research organizations, industry groups, producers, and government partners, the initiative seeks to make valuable data more accessible and useful.
"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,” said Cheryl Holden, Vice President, Health Innovation, Alberta Innovates.
She added, “This initiative is a strong example of how collaboration can turn data into practical insights that support better decisions and better outcomes for Albertans."
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