Governments need to reinvest in long-term agricultural research programs: report
Canada is falling behind in agricultural research as federal and provincial funding for basic research fails to keep pace with the growing needs of the agri-food sector, according to a report from Agri-Food Economic Systems Inc.
The organization warned that declining investment is creating a widening gap between Canada’s research capacity and global food security challenges, including rising hunger, climate-related disruptions and economic instability. While Canadian agri-food exports and farm revenues have grown significantly in recent years, experts say current productivity gains rely heavily on public research investments made decades ago.
The report noted that competing countries are increasing their agricultural research spending and positioning themselves to surpass Canada in innovation and productivity. It called on governments to reinvest in long-term research programs, research stations and infrastructure to help Canada capitalize on growing global demand for food and strengthen its role as a reliable agricultural supplier.
