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Misconceptions of Chemical Use on Crops

Technology and research advancements have changed how farmers use chemicals on their crops. Even with these improvements, there’s a lot of misinformation out there amongst consumers about how chemicals are used on crops.

On the Dec. 14 episode of Seed Speaks, we’re taking a closer look at what the ag industry do to stop these rumours dead in their tracks. We’re joined by Ian Affleck, vice-president of plant biotechnology at CropLife Canada, and Stuart Smyth, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).

Affleck works with domestic and international agricultural stakeholders and governments on the development of policies, regulations, and science related to plant biotechnology. Prior to CropLife Canada, he worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for 10 years, focusing on the regulation of novel plants and new varieties. Affleck has a bachelor of science in agriculture from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, and a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Guelph.

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$400m loss to save $3.8m? The real cost of closing Canada's research farms | Agri cmte, 10 Feb 2026

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Officials are forced to defend cutting a historic $3.8 million research farm while the government simultaneously funded an $8.5 million cricket factory that went bankrupt. Is this evidence of an incoherent spending strategy? Watch the full committee clash to see the government's official rationale.

A heated discussion erupts over the logic behind the government's cuts to AAFC research farms in Lacombe, Indian Head, and Quebec City. MPs question why core, decades-old scientific infrastructure is being deemed 'not core' while other, controversial programs were funded. The Deputy Minister is repeatedly pressed for the actual net savings of the decision versus the expense of relocating research programs.