Research Branch - Research

Research

As part of the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Research Branch (French: Direction générale de la recherche d'Agriculture et agroalimentaire Canada) has the mandate to propose solutions and opportunities based on science to support competitiveness and the sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food sector. It is also in the Branch's mandate to provide scientific information to inform departmental and governmental decision processes.

Under the Experimental Farm Stations Act dating back to 1886, farm stations across Canada were established. The officers of these stations had the duty of conducting research in a number of specific areas pertinent to agricultural productivity and conservation, and of making the results of such research known by publication.

Today, the Research Branch includes a national network of 19 Research Centres and 2,300 employees, including some 500 research scientists. Research activities focus on seven national priorities, including the enhancement of:

• Human health and wellness through food, nutrition and innovative products;
• The quality of food and the safety of the food system;
• The security and protection of the food supply;
• Economic benefits throughout the value chain from producers to consumers;
• The environmental performance of the Canadian agricultural system;
• Knowledge of Canadian bioresources and the protection and conservation of genetic diversity;
• New opportunities for agriculture from bioresources.