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 attract biotech investment and build new research facilities.

Why This Matters

If you're a farmer, this is about who decides what gets researched—and whether your priorities matter. Even if you're not farming, agricultural research affects food prices and rural jobs. Alberta wants to become a biotech hub, which could mean more investment in your region.

What Could Change

Alberta may restructure how agricultural research is governed, giving farmers more direct control over priorities and funding. New research facilities could be built, and existing ones may be reorganized. Marketing boards and research associations could get formal roles in decision-making.

Key Issues

  • What should 'farmer-led research' actually mean in practice?
  • What research priorities should Alberta focus on?
  • How should industry share leadership and ownership of research governance?

How to Participate

  1. The online feedback period has closed. Results are currently under review.
  2. In-person engagement sessions were held in 9 communities across Alberta from January 13 to 25, 2020.

What Happened

Feedback was gathered through an online survey and in-person engagement sessions held in 9 communities across Alberta from January 13 to 25, 2020. The province also met with key stakeholders including marketing board and commission representatives, applied research associations, and post-secondary institutions. Results are currently under review to determine research priorities and governance models.

Key Documents