Agri-info

With funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF), the Boys and Girls Club of Norris Arm was able to purchase proper equipment to rescue more food for local families and seniors.

Diverse food and beverage startups are breaking barriers and growing with support from York University’s YSpace and AAFC’s AgriDiversity Program.

With support from AAFC’s AgriMarketing Program, the Canadian Food Exporters Association has helped thousands of Canadian food and beverage companies expand into global markets.

2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Women are changing the face of farming in Canada. They are highly educated. They’re working hard. And, while they are having success, they also encounter unique barriers to entry and advancement in the sector. This episode speaks with two women from the Prairies who are at the vanguard of this movement. Learn how they are breaking down barriers. Hear their vision for the future of agriculture in Canada.

Atlantic Grown Organics received funding under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program— Adoption Stream to install energy efficient curtains to reduce heat loss in their greenhouse.

With support from AAFC’s AgriAssurance Program— Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component, Yumasoy Foods is meeting international food safety standards and driving sustainable innovation.

With support from AAFC’s AgriAssurance Program – Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component, Green Bowl Foods is meeting international food safety standards and driving sustainable innovation.

The Jewish Community Council of Montreal’s Global Plant Based Certified program is raising global quality standards for plant-based foods with support from the AgriAssurance Program.

Farm transitions aren't simply business deals — they're deeply human and often emotionally complex. In this episode, we speak with two innovators reimagining how farms change hands and how new farmers find their place. Heather Watson, Executive Director of Farm Management Canada, brings a national view on business planning, succession, and the changing realities of farm ownership. Sara Dent, co-founder of Young Agrarians, is creating new pathways into farming — helping aspiring producers find land, mentors, and community.

Groupe Export is putting Quebec’s processed-foods sector on the map with support from the AgriMarketing Program.

The AgriMarketing Program is helping the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) develop and implement innovative tactics to engage customers, expand beyond traditional markets and position Canada’s malting barley as a premium product in global markets.

Animal Health Canada leads projects to provide a cohesive, functional and responsive farmed animal health and welfare system in Canada.

Jeff and Kyler Weeks received funding under the Agricultural Climate Solutions On-Farm Climate Action Fund to adopt beneficial nitrogen management practices.

Andrew and Carl Stephenson of Stephenson Farms Limited are unearthing the benefits of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

Ferme Helyon exemplifies agriculture in transition, from the family farm passed down over generations to climate innovation. The firm benefits from support from the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund program, as it explores and implements innovative agri-environmental practices.

From phones and computers to automated systems in barns and data collection in harvesters, each piece of technology on a farm is a fantastic tool – and a potential weak point. And hackers look for – weak points. Just as producers protect livestock and crops from predators, they need to do the same to protect their technology. In this episode, Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, Canada Research Chair in cyber security at the University of Guelph, explains how producers can stay a few simple and innovative steps ahead of the criminals. And Charles-Félix Ross, Director General of Quebec’s UPA, shares what happened when his organization was hit by ransomware and the key lessons learned.

Scientific illustrator, Jessica Hsiung, is blending art and science with mastery. Having studied in both biology and the fine arts, with later training in science and medical illustration, her detailed drawings help communicate complex research, continuing AAFC’s century-long tradition of scientific illustration.

A collaboration between grain and oilseed industry partners in the Maritimes has seen growing success! The producers’ latest achievements in crop yield, soil health, and farm management have been celebrated, all in the form of a friendly competition.

For over 30 years, Odile Carisse has dedicated her career to protecting crops from plant diseases. Odile and her team's work is now recognized internationally and has profoundly transformed sustainable agriculture approaches to fungal disease management.

With support from AAFC’s AgriMarketing Program, Canada Beef works to grow global demand for Canadian beef through marketing, business development, and research activities.

How do we open new markets in diverse and dynamic countries? What challenges do we face, and what solutions are being used? Chris White, CEO of the Canadian Meat Council, and Diedrah Kelly, Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, share their insights. From building strong trade relationships to promoting Canada’s trusted brand, this episode explores the work needed to grow Canada’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canada Post team up to bring horticultural history to life with 2025 flower stamps.

Innovators take risks. And they need investors who are willing and informed to help them take the risks. Alison Sunstrum is a pioneering entrepreneur turned investor, now on a mission to fix the gaps she once faced—mentorship and access to capital—by investing in exceptional talent and bold ideas in agriculture. Graeme Millen is part of the team at FCC Capital, which is a new effort from Farm Credit Canada to provide what he calls 'patient, and reliable capital' to agri-food and ag-tech companies across the country. Hear how these two and their teams are filling an important funding gap in Canada to help innovation in the ag sector.

Bluefield Seeding Solutions received funding under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program – Research and Innovation Stream to develop their latest Seed Sensing Technology.

Beetle expert, Dr. Patrice Bouchard is on a mission to combat invasive species that could threaten Canadian agriculture.

Kevin Budd, Brett Francis, and Raphaël Beauchemin are Canadian producers who have received funding through our On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) to help them adopt beneficial management practices that positively impact the environment.

Farmers are taking action to protect the environment and strengthen the competitiveness of our agricultural sector. We speak with three producers who are leaders in reducing greenhouse gases, sequestering carbon, and building resilience against climate change. With support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), they've adopted beneficial management practices (BMPs) that make good business sense. Tune in to hear their insights and advice for fellow producers.

AAFC scientists share their expertise with McCain's Farm of the Future team to co-develop and test beneficial regenerative farming practices in New Brunswick and provide resources to farmers across Canada.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is preventing injuries on Canadian farms with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriCompetitiveness Program.

The Plowdown Challenge returned for another season in 2024. It is one of many ways AAFC scientists and farmers are continuously working towards an even more sustainable agricultural sector. Will last years’ winner make it a double-double or does another farmer take the crown?

Lori Robinson, a 6th generation farmer in Prince Edward Island (PEI), is a data hound. As a result of her 50 plus years of her and her family taking detailed notes and 20 plus years of doing a four-year crop rotation system she laid the groundwork for a user-friendly calculator for crop rotations that has both economic benefits for producers and environmental benefits. Developed at the Living Labs initiative in PEI in conjunction with the PEI Potato Board, the calculator helps producers maximize profits while reducing their use of pesticides and improving soil health. And the story of the calculator has some interesting twists.

With help from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF), the Prince Edward Island School Food Program expanded the first province-wide food program in Canada providing students with well-balanced, healthy meals using local ingredients.

LaForge Bioenvironmental received support from the Agricultural Climate Solutions - On-Farm Climate Action Fund for new dragline system to improve nitrogen management practices by transforming biological waste into liquid fertilizer for crop fields.

Kelly Marie Redcliffe, executive director of the Wolfville Farmers Market, applauds the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund for helping make their new commercial kitchen dreams come to life.

How has plant breeding evolved over the past 20 years? Who are the players in Canada? What is the plant breeding continuum? And what is the proverbial sandbox in which Canadian plant breeders are working? Learn this and why it takes a special breed of innovator to become a plant-breeder.

Alicia King, owner and farmer of Six Maples Farm, shares how the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund has positively benefited her farm and allowed her to adopt the beneficial management practices of rotational grazing.

Living lab producers, partners and researchers are working together to co-develop and test innovative practices on the prairie landscape.

Living Lab – New Brunswick is a collaboration between AAFC scientists, farmers, and industry partners to co-develop, test, and evaluate innovative practices that tackle issues like climate change, soil health, pest and disease management, and biodiversity on New Brunswick farms.

Learn about the new Living Lab – Racines d’avenir taking place in Quebec and led by the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA). Numerous producers, scientists and other partners from the agricultural sector are testing, evaluating and co-developing innovations to find sustainable solutions to fight climate change.

Learn more about the new Living Lab – Lait carboneutre project led by the Producteurs de lait du Québec. This collaborative project brings together producers, scientists and other dairy industry partners to improve the carbon footprint of dairy farms. Innovative practices will be co-developed, tested, evaluated and improved throughout the project to find sustainable solutions to fight climate change.

A longstanding partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atlantic Grains Council, Maritimes provinces and producers continues with a new injection of funding.

Barnyard Organics received funding under the Agricultural Climate Solutions On-Farm Climate Action Fund to adopt efficient rotational grazing practices that can help improve soil health, carbon capture, yield and biodiversity.

On March 21, 2024, the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre organized a networking event with farmers and other stakeholders from Quebec’s produce industry. This was an opportunity to showcase the research done by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientists!

Her team’s technology helped researchers better understand the world, but she knew that it could do more. Learn how Olga Pawluczyk is using the science of light to improve food safety.

Sector stakeholders and academic partners take note: there are funding, membership and advisory opportunities with the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium coming your way.

As a child, volunteering with Hope Blooms helped Kolade Boboye connect with his new community. Several years and one global pandemic later, he’s working to feed and reconnect his community.

On March 19, researchers, greenhouse growers and other stakeholders gathered at our Saint-Hyacinthe Research and Development Centre for a networking event. Learn more about the challenges and research priorities of Quebec's greenhouse vegetable sector!

Farmers and researchers across Canada are joining forces to mitigate climate change. Discover how their collaborative efforts and solutions under the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program are shaping the future of agriculture in Nova Scotia.

Can we make biodegradable plastics using food waste? Can we control disease in crops and eliminate food borne pathogens using just hydrogen peroxide, ozone and UV rays? Yes, we can! Meet the two grand prize winners of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge – in the novel technology stream -- who proved we can do this and more.

The initiative returns for another season and is one of the many ways AAFC and farmers are continuing to act as stewards of the land, working towards an even more sustainable agricultural sector.

Announcing the two winners of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge (Business Model Stream). Two companies took away $1.5 million! Find out who they are. Learn what it took to become the winners of the challenge, and leaders in this new sub-sector. The funds will help the winning companies further expand their success in fighting food waste and reducing greenhouse gases. And, we'll give you a glimpse behind the scenes with Dr. Jean-Charles Le Vallée, who will share insights into being a jury member of the challenge.

A chance encounter changed the course of Thomas Lowery’s (Ph.D.) research, giving him the opportunity to help Canadian winemakers. Find out how he changed the industry by fighting an unwanted visitor.

Gardening in the snow and sleet of Sault Ste. Marie seems impossible, but Colin Templeton has figured out how to do it. Learn how he grows food in unconventional ways and gives back to his community.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists highlight Natural Climate Solutions. By adopting agroforestry practices, ranches and farms can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while remaining profitable.

Agricultural education is more important than ever and these members of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council are spreading the knowledge. Find out how they make a difference every day.

Ag-robotics specialists Chuck Baresich believes you'll have a robot in your field sooner than you think. What will they do? How will they add value to your farm? Chuck paints a picture of that future. And what is the government doing to help the agricultural sector be ready for those robots? Marco Valicenti, Director General of Innovation Programs Directorate and Brett Maxwell, Director of Strategic Policy Branch explain how Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's programs are enabling that future.

The first International Forum on Agroecosystem Living Labs welcomed over 240 attendees from around the world and highlighted the key role of living labs in reaching global climate targets.

Ready to export your food products internationally but red tape is getting in your way? Funding from the AgriAssurance Program can help your Small and Medium-sized Enterprises receive certification to meet foreign regulatory requirements.

The Living Lab – Newfoundland and Labrador is a five-year project that began in 2022 and focuses on developing cropping, fertilization, and soil-conditioning solutions for combatting climate change on farms across the province.

Since 2013, Jacqueline Dwyer and Noel Livingston, founders of Toronto Black Farmers Collective, have continued to make history every day through their dedication to feeding their community.

Hear from two innovators who are successfully tackling labor shortages in our sector: one at the national level with an all-encompassing, all-stakeholders-engaged strategy; and the other on a regional level with a smart program for hiring and settling new immigrants into a rural community.

This initiative is one of the many ways AAFC and farmers are continuing to act as stewards of the land, working towards an even more sustainable agricultural sector.

From being one of the few women in her class to producing record-breaking harvests, Margaret Newton’s accomplishments are unparalleled. Read about her fight against wheat stem rust, a crop disease that plagued fields across the Prairies.

The new Living Lab – PEI is led by the East Prince Agri-Environment Association with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and more than 25 other agriculture, government, watershed, environmental, and academic partners.

How is pesticide use evolving on farms? What are maximum residue limits? How does the government determine what is safe? Brian Rideout, a fruit and vegetable grower from Ontario, explains how pesticide use has changed on his farm in the last 20 years. And Fred Bissonnette, Executive Director of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, explains the regulations behind pesticide use in Canada. Let's dig in!

From the Prairies to our plates, wheat’s kind of a big deal. Learn more about Canada’s golden grains guided by the resilience and innovation of the unsung hero, Charles Saunders.

For Betty Kogvik, growing anything is possible under the right conditions. Read Betty’s inspiring story and discover how she’s helping her community, one green thumb at a time.

"Waste is not waste. It's just misplaced resources". That is according to Rajinikanth Rajagopal and the team of researchers at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre as they work to adapt anaerobic bio digestion to a Canadian climate and livestock sector. We also speak to Mauricio Alanís, Director of Sustainability Strategy and Partnerships at Maple Leaf Foods. His company is interested in the technology and AAFC's expertise as it could all play an important role in Maple Leaf Foods' sustainability journey.

To predict the future of water, we have to understand the present. That's exactly what AAFC's Dr. David Lapen and Dr. Steven Frey from Aquanty Inc., are endeavoring to do. Listen in as they discuss their work on a complex, country-wide hydrological modelling tool. It is designed to help researchers, producers and decision makers anticipate water resources of tomorrow and make better, more informed decisions today. This is the Canada 1 Water project.

40% of Quebec's fruits and vegetables are grown in the Montérégie region due to its abundantly fertile organic soils. But these soils are under threat. We speak to Jacynthe Masse, an agroecology researcher, and Denys Van Winden, a vegetable producer from Sherrington, to learn about the challenges they're facing and the experiments they're running to save these soils.

When agriculture meets forestry, the result can have a surprising impact on the environment, wildlife habitats, crop production, and beyond. AAFC research scientist Dr. Raju Soolanayakanahally and Kevin Boon, General Manager of the BC Cattlemen's Association, explore the roots of the long-standing practice of agroforestry, and the benefits it brings to the future of agriculture and climate change.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency come together in this special two-part episode on honey fraud in Canada. Hear a scientist from each organization discuss how they identify fraudulent products – and check out the CFIA's Inspect and Protect podcast for the perspective of a policy leader and a beekeeper!

When veterinarian Dr. Greg Dimmers noticed an alarming pattern of infection in beef cattle, he contacted microbiologist Dr. Tim McAllister to get some answers. Hear the two speak about their respective paths in the study of antimicrobial resistance.

Have you ever wondered where companies go to develop their secret recipes and test new food processing technologies? Canadian innovators go to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's research centre in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec to develop and test new products. Listen to Sabine Ribéreau, the pilot plant manager, and Deena Alari, the research and development manager from Smuckers, as they discuss the Saint-Hyacinthe Industrial Program and how it can help get your products on grocery store shelves.

From buckwheat and bees to cover crops and no-till practices, we explore how Henry Denotter, a farmer on the Wigle Creek watershed, and Pamela Joosse, a soil and nutrient management specialist, worked together to reduce pollution in Lake Erie as part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Living Labs program.

Anything's possible when researchers and producers come together. Hear from Dr. Chandra Madramootoo of McGill University and Guy Vincent, a grain and cash crop producer, as they discuss their collaborative journey to reduce greenhouse gasses and increase crop yields.

Farmers and many others in our sector spend much of their time managing risk. In this episode we focus on a new risk to manage - cyber threats. Dr. Janos Botschner from the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance and Christine Beauchamp from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security tell us some true cyber heist stories. And they share some solid advice on how we can up our cybersecurity game.

Researchers cannot be everywhere at once. Laura Richard manages the Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR). This citizen science projects relies on producers all across the country to help our scientists and decision-makers to know how the weather impacts agriculture at a local scale. Trevor Atchinson is a fourth generation rancher from Pipestone,  Manitoba and a second generation contributor to AIR.

In this third episode on mental health, we explore the topic from the perspective of a professional agricultural association. We speak with Marcel Groleau, President of Quebec's Agricultural Producers Union (UPA), who tells us about the resources available to producer. From overcoming mental health challenges, to breaking the stigma, he shares insights into the unique programming developed in Quebec.

Cynthia Beck and her family run a cattle and grain operation in South-East Saskatchewan. After facing her own mental health challenges and discovering a lack of resources tailored towards the agricultural sector, Cynthia decided to do something about it.

Over 300 ideas were submitted to the Food Waste Reduction Challenge. Twenty-four of the best ideas were selected for funding. Now it's time to test their concepts and compete for the $1.5M grand prize. In this episode, jury member and celebrity chef, Bob Blumer, tells us about the selection process. He also shares tips on reducing food waste at home. Mohamed Yassine from Impact Canada joins the conversation to tell us what's next.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for our times - and the impacts are especially challenging for the agricultural sector. In this episode, we talk about a science model that the Government of Canada is using to generate solutions, as well as issues related to climate change and agriculture. We hear from two generations of environmental scientists on the topic.

In this episode we speak with Dr. Briana Hagen about tailoring mental health programs to the needs of farmers. She explains how mental health in farming is fundamentally different than in other sectors. Plus she points toward solutions and successful programs across the country including the program called, In the Know, which she helped developed at the University of Guelph.

Hear about this Living Laboratories initiative and its revolutionary new approach to innovation. It brings together farmers, scientists, and other collaborators to address agri-environmental issues in a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Minister, President, CEO: This is a very frank discussion with three women leaders in the agriculture and food sector. They talk about their experiences and the benefits of a more inclusive and diverse sector at all levels.

Is food waste really an opportunity? Denise Philippe of the National Zero Waste Council believes so. Listen to this discussion where she outlines gaps in our food system and shows us where opportunities exist. As well, learn about the new, Food Waste Reduction Challenge.

Meet the next generation of Canadians working in agriculture and agri-food sector. Jerry Bos, a young dairy farmer and co-chair of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, shares his vision for the future. Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau tells us why it's important to have young farmers like Jerry and the other members of the council at the decision-making table.

Christopher Garhnham and his team at the AAFC has discovered something very small that could have big impacts in the food and feed industry.

Learn about the Radarsat Constellation Mission, the type of data that flows from it, its applications in agriculture and how it is used by environmental stewards to work with farmers.

In discussion with two agents of change in the world of agricultural science, we explore a new and brilliant way forward.

Listen in as we shed light on an innovative and nimble collaboration that is addressing food insecurity during the pandemic.

Interview with Julie Dawson, a beef specialist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and who is also a sixth generation farmer. Listen in on this fascinating discussion about how much farming has and is changing, and how fast.