The Quiet Investment Behind Canadian Agricultural Accomplishments

When we celebrate Canadian agriculture, its productivity, export strength, and global reputation, we rarely talk about the decades of public research that made it possible.

In this month’s thought leadership piece, Laura Zehr explores the long-term value of Canada’s public plant breeding programs: from the transformation of rapeseed into canola, to the development of resilient cereal, pulse, and soybean varieties adapted to our climate.

This work doesn’t generate quick wins. It takes time, patience, and sustained public investment. But it builds the genetic foundation that protects food security, supports regional producers, trains the next generation of breeders, and safeguards resilience in the face of climate change.

As funding pressures mount, it’s worth asking: Do we still value the kind of patient, public investment that built Canada’s agricultural success in the first place? 

Read the full piece below!

What Are We Reading This Month?

Ontario dairy producers’ and veterinarians’ perspectives: Barriers to biosecurity implementation

In a nutshell: Biosecurity is essential for preventing disease spread on dairy farms, but how it’s understood and applied varies widely across Ontario. In this study, researchers interviewed 35 dairy producers and veterinarians to better understand how biosecurity is defined in practice and what makes it difficult to implement. Everyone agreed biosecurity is about preventing disease, many producers focused primarily on keeping disease off the farm, and maintaining a closed herd was widely seen as one of the most important strategies. However, barriers such as limited time and resources, business pressures, differing personal perceptions, and a lack of broader industry initiative made consistent implementation challenging. By understanding these barriers, veterinarians and industry partners can tailor their communication and support strategies to make biosecurity more practical and achievable on farms.

Real-World Resources

Podcast
Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines

The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Equestrian Canada have launched the public comment period for the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. The public comment period allows stakeholders – producers, consumers, and others with an interest in the welfare of equids – to view the draft Code and provide input that will inform the final version.

To help stakeholder's understand the approach and perspectives of the Equine Code Committee, NFACC has released a podcast, hosted by ACER's Julia Nicoletta and featuring Code Committee Chair Dr. Bettina Bobsien and Scientific Committee Chair Dr. Kathleen MacMillan. Tune in for insights on the process, participating parties, and objectives of the Code.

The draft Code and the public comment system are now accessible here. Comments are submitted through the online system, and the comment period will close on March 12, 2026. Comment to ensure sure your voice is heard!

Listen to the episode below! 👇