Results are in on Alberta’s farmer-led research
The Provincial Government of Alberta spent January consulting with Alberta’s farmers about the role research plays in the agriculture sector.
19 February 2020
2 minute read
In January 2020, the Alberta government asked the province’s farmers, ranchers and agriculture partners what the future of agriculture research should look like. According to provincial reports, over 1,000 people completed the online survey and 650 people turned out for multiple in-person engagement sessions. Responses, both online and in person, were enthusiastic.
“This was important conversation, and the impact it will have on the future of agriculture research in Alberta will be substantial,” says Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen. “It was great that so many people turned up for the sessions and took the time to fill in our survey.”
During the sessions, participants were asked what farmer-led research meant to them, who should set them and what role industry and government should play in an effective governance model.
Reporting from the engagement sessions showed that farmers want to influence priorities and shape the research agenda in collaboration with key partners, such as commodity groups, academia, researchers and government.
“The question of improving Alberta’s research and innovation capacity is something I’ve been working on for many years,” says Stanford Blade, dean of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. “I appreciate the chance to provide feedback and examples of the ideas from our faculty which have improved the prosperity and competitiveness of Alberta producers and other partners in the agri-food sector.”
Read more about farmer-led engagement here.
