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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
Agriculture Now Role of farm advisors overlooked in new food strategy
What happened to Canada’s farm advisors? Canada’s advisory system has changed dramatically over the past several decades. For much of the 20th century, provinces employed publicly funded extension agents whom farmers could call for advice. Since the 1990s, governments have gradually pulled back from this in- volvement. Today, farm advice comes from a patchwork of private consultants, seed and fertilizer companies, com- modity organizations, non-profits and government programs. This system can leave farmers unsure of where to turn or whose advice to trust. In our research with Ontario farmers and agricultural advisors, we found that farmers place a high value on individualized advice from someone who understands their specific operation. They also told us the advice they get is often inconsis- tent, duplicated and sometimes bi- ased, because much of it now comes from people with something to sell. Access is another concern. The system’s attention flows toward large, innovative operations, while small and mid-sized farms get less of it. European studies found the same pattern after those countries privat- ized farm advice: smaller farms are often the first to lose access to reli- able knowledge networks. Canada has no national plan for farm advisory services and no shared standards, unlike the United States, which runs a coast-to-coast extension system anchored in its public universities. There is no re- search measuring what farm advice contributes to farm incomes, so we cannot even count what the retreat has cost. Meanwhile, the university programs that train extension pro- fessionals are shrinking. Canada’s fragmented extension system leaves many farmers without dedicated advisors or co-ordinated support. The absence of a nation- al professional body limits efforts to attract, connect and amplify the voices of the extension workers who remain. Farmers turn to the internet Without a trusted advisor, farmers increasingly rely on the same sourc- es many people use for everyday questions: they go online. Facebook, YouTube and artificial intelligence have become first stops for identi- fying pests, choosing feed supple-
by KHONDOKAR HUMAYUN KABIR AND ATAHARUL CHOWDHURY C anada’s new food security strategy promises billions of dollars for a more affordable and resilient food system. But in- vestments in technology, infrastruc- ture and production will only work if farmers have the knowledge and support to put them into practice. The need for such a strategy is clear. Canadians have faced among the highest food inflation rates in the G7 in recent years. Five retailers control three-quarters of grocery sales, and Canada imports 88 per cent of its fresh fruit and 72 per cent of its vegetables, leaving consumers vulnerable when supply chains are disrupted or tariffs increase costs. In June, the federal government launched Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, committing more than $3 billion over 10 years to strengthen grocery competition, expand food processing, increase greenhouse production and reform regulations. The plan aims to increase the share of healthy food produced in Canada from 75 to 85 percent by 2032, double the value of green- house and indoor farming, and re- duce greenhouse labour and energy costs through automation. Achieving these goals will depend on farmers adopting new tools and practices suited to their operations, soils, livestock and budgets. That, in turn, depends on extension and advisory services: the agronomists, veterinarians, government special- ists and educators who translate research, regulations and emerging technologies into practical deci- sions. Yet across its many pages, the National Food Security Strategy nev- er mentions these services. The countries Canada points to as models take a different approach. The strategy credits the Netherlands with one of the strongest agricul- tural knowledge systems among wealthy countries. France connects companies, researchers and produc- ers, while Japan pairs investment in smart agriculture with farmer train- ing. In each case, investment is backed by co-ordinated advisory systems. Canada’s strategy invests in infra- structure and technology, but says little about the people who help farmers put them to work.
CARILLON ARCHIVES “Canada’s strategy invests in infrastructure and technology, but says little about the people who help farmers put them to work,” write Khondokar Humayun Kabir and Ataharul Chowdhury.
ing the government programs of the 1970s. It takes five practical steps. First, federal, provincial and ter- ritorial governments should agree on common goals and quality stan- dards for farm advice. The moment is already on the calendar: negotia- tions for the next five-year agricul- tural funding agreement begin in 2028. Second, Canada needs to train more advisors. Universities and professional organizations require renewed support to educate and de- velop the specialists who will help farmers navigate technological and environmental change. Third, Canada should create a na- tional platform for extension profes- sionals. Such a body could strength- en professional networks, improve co-ordination and ensure that front- line agricultural knowledge informs decisions about food security, inno- vation and rural development. Fourth, governments should in- vest in research that measures the impact of advisory services. Can- ada needs evidence about which approaches improve farm incomes,
productivity and resilience. Finally, farmers and advisors need help navigating the digital world. Standards must be set for AI tools that give farm advice, and equip advisors and farmers to spot and counter agricultural misinforma- tion. Next to a $3-billion strategy, these measures would cost little and raise the return on every other dollar spent. New terminals, greenhouses and funds will not put more Cana- dian food on Canadian plates unless Canadian know-how reaches Cana- dian farms. A food strategy that skips the people who teach farmers how to use it is missing a step it cannot afford to miss. » Khondokar Humayun Kabir is a postdoctoral fellow with the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph. Ataharul Chowdhury is associate professor of capacity development and extension, University of Guelph. This column was originally pub- lished at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
ments or checking regulations. Digital platforms can provide ac- cess to information quickly, but they also introduce new risks. Our review of misinformation research shows that false and misleading claims about farming practices, inputs and climate change circulate widely through these channels. When re- searchers in our group tested popu- lar AI chatbots on real Ontario live- stock questions, the answers mixed useful guidance with errors. Recent research highlights that AI adoption can create new challenges, including conflicting predictions, uncertainty in decision-making and inadequate preparedness for AI-re- lated disruptions. There is not yet evidence that AI chatbots are causing widespread harm in agriculture, and the risks should be considered carefully rath- er than overstated. But a strategy that encourages technological adop- tion while leaving farmers to inde- pendently verify online information creates an avoidable vulnerability. Five fixes for the strategy This gap is fixable without rebuild-
Trail riding with friends: Good biosecurity protects every horse
Bring your own water whenever possible instead of using communal troughs. Don’t allow horses to touch noses with unfamiliar horses. Keep your horse’s vaccinations up to date as recommended by your veterinarian. Clean and disinfect trailers and equipment after transporting horses from different locations. A real-life scenario Emma and Sarah meet for a week- end trail ride, each bringing their own horse. During a rest stop, the horses are tied close together and share a water bucket while their riders enjoy lunch. A few days later, Sarah’s horse develops a fever and nasal discharge. Veterinary testing confirms a contagious respirato- ry illness. Before the diagnosis was known, Emma’s horse had already returned home and come into con- tact with other horses at her proper- ty. Fortunately, both owners acted quickly. They isolated their horses, contacted their veterinarians and
portant role whenever horses from different properties come together. A few simple habits can help keep everyone’s horses healthy while al- lowing you to enjoy the ride with confidence. Before heading out: Ride only with horses that appear healthy and free of fever, coughing or nasal discharge. Avoid sharing water buckets, feed tubs, grooming tools or tack.
essary risk. Most contagious diseas- es spread through direct horse-to- horse contact, shared equipment or contaminated water sources. By following a few simple precautions, horse owners can help protect not only their own horses but also the broader equine community. Before every ride, take a moment to consider how your actions could affect the health of other horses. Bringing your own water, avoiding shared equipment and keeping a re- spectful distance between unfamil- iar horses are easy habits that make a meaningful difference. Good horsemanship includes car- ing for the health of every horse we encounter. A little prevention today can help ensure many more enjoy- able rides tomorrow. Since 1974, the Manitoba Horse Council has been dedicated to sup- porting horse owners, riders and equestrian organizations across Manitoba. To learn more about membership, education and member benefits, visit www.manitobahorsec- ouncil.ca.
MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL T rail riding with friends is one of the best ways to enjoy time with our horses. Whether you’re exploring a local trail system or riding on private property, it’s easy to focus on the adventure and forget that horses can unknowingly carry infectious diseases. Good biosecu- rity isn’t just for boarding barns and competition, but also plays an im-
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notified anyone whose horses may have been exposed. While the illness was contained, the experience was a reminder of how easily disease can spread through everyday activities. Healthy habits matter Biosecurity isn’t about avoid- ing trail rides or limiting time with friends, it’s about reducing unnec-
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Trail rides can be done with biosecurity in mind.
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