Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Food from Thought researchers at the University of Guelph continue to pursue leading-edge projects intended to strengthen Canada’s lead in innovative, sustainable agricultural production, according to a mid-term report released this month.
Under U of G’s Food from Thought project, now in the fourth year of its seven-year mandate, more than 130 faculty, research associates and graduate students are studying livestock, crops, pathogens and food safety, biodiversity, ecosystem services, integrated food systems and digital agriculture.
These projects bring together leading food and agricultural researchers at U of G to address key global challenges, including sustainably increasing farm productivity and profitability, improving livestock health and welfare, and enhancing biodiversity and rehabilitating ecosystems.
Food from Thought researchers are developing and implementing next-generation information management systems, decision support tools and digital applications to collect, analyze and apply massive amounts of data from crops, livestock and the environment.
“We are leading research that leverages data science and digital technologies to sustainably feed a growing population while also improving safety and efficiency in our food systems,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research).
“These research findings are proving to be innovative and influential in creating lasting and sustainable changes in the way we do agriculture in Canada.”
Food from Thought was established in 2016 with a $76.6-million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
