Help Shape Alberta's Farmer-Led Agricultural Research

Official title: Farmer-led research engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Agriculture & Food
Alberta wants farmers to drive agricultural research priorities, not just participate in them. The province gathered input on what 'farmer-led research' should mean, what the priorities should be, and how industry can share leadership. This could lead to new research facilities and attract biotech investment.

Why This Matters

If you're a farmer, this is about who decides what gets researched—and whether your priorities make the cut. Even if you're not farming, agricultural research affects food prices and rural jobs across Alberta.

What Could Change

Alberta could restructure how agricultural research is governed, giving farmers more direct control over priorities. New research facilities might be built, and existing ones could be reorganized. Biotech companies may be invited to invest in Alberta-based research.

Key Issues

  • What should 'farmer-led research' mean in practice?
  • What should Alberta's agricultural research priorities be?
  • How can industry share leadership and ownership of research governance?

How to Participate

  1. The online feedback period has closed. The province is currently reviewing input received.
  2. For questions, contact 310-FARM at 310farm@gov.ab.ca or call [(403) 742-7901](tel:+14037427901) from outside Alberta.

What Happened

The province held public engagement sessions in 9 communities across Alberta from January 13-25, 2020, and met with key stakeholders including marketing boards, commissions, applied research associations, and post-secondary institutions. Feedback is currently under review to determine research priorities and governance models.

Key Documents