b'GIANT VIEWSADAPTING AGAIN: AAFC AT 140From early agronomy to modern genomics, Canadas federal agriculture department has continually evolved. Its newest chapter: strategic consolidation designed to protect innovation while meeting fiscal targets.By Arran McPherson, Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFOR NEARLY 140 YEARS,Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadasteps for projects that may be affected with a view to preserving (AAFC) has served as the backbone of agricultural innovationresearch continuity to the greatest extent possible. in Canada and has adapted as available science and technologyThere is no reduction in scientific capacity for major field have evolved. AAFCs reach spans every province, supported byand horticultural crop breeding and germplasm development. a deep-rooted network of industry, academic, and internationalThe department remains committed to advancing research in partners. crop variety development, germplasm enhancement, and core Like all federal departments, AAFC was required to identifysciences that form the foundation of Canadas breeding innova-savings over a three-year period. We approached this with care,tion pipeline.recognizing that reductions affect people, communities, and scientific capacity. Our goal was to reduce overhead while pre-serving scientific capacity and maintaining a presence in every province.THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY As a result, we are strategically consolidating our science footprint to use our funds more efficiently to focus on areasFOR MAJOR FIELD AND HORTICULTURAL CROP where we can have the greatest impact. A site closure does not mean the discontinuation of all sci- BREEDING AND GERMPLASM DEVELOPMENT.ence activities; in some cases, science programs will be consoli-dated and continue at other locations. Key scientific positions will be retained and relocated to complement priority science activities at other locations. AAFCs commitment to science excellence and sector part-This strategic realignment and consolidation of sciencenership has not changed. We will continue to invest in research activities will allow us to better focus our investments on keyand strengthen collaborations with industry groups, govern-areas such as horticulture and field crop production, animalments, universities and colleges, and other key stakeholders in production, food processing and biodiversity. It will also allowCanada and internationally. us to continue to deliver science with the potential to accelerateThese adjustments allow us to focus our efforts where AAFC innovations in the sector.can deliver the greatest impact by aligning our work with the We recognize the importance of maintaining continuityDepartments core mandate, preserving science capacity, and through this transition and will work with partners on nextpositioning Canadian agriculture for long term success. 40 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADAMARCH 2026'