Policy Brief: Agriculture R&D through a critical infrastructure lens

"Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's network of research centres, satellite farms and labs, along with provincial institutions and universities, underpinned much of the innovation that farmers now see as standard: canola's development, better forage and livestock systems, improved disease and pest management, and modern food safety and quality tools."

"Over time, that foundation has thinned out. AAFC's total spending on agricultural R&D has fallen, and the composition has shifted away from the infrastructure and operating budgets that keep research sites functional."

Canada's public agricultural research system, built through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's network of research centres, satellite farms, labs, and provincial and university institutions, historically drove major agricultural innovations including canola development, improved livestock systems, disease management, and food safety standards. However, this research foundation has substantially weakened over time. Total AAFC spending on agricultural research and development has decreased, with budget composition shifting away from infrastructure and operating expenses necessary to maintain functional research facilities. This erosion threatens the continued capacity for agricultural innovation.

Read at Realagriculture