AG-ACt facilitates collaboration, drives innovation, and shares knowledge across the agri-food sectors and beyond to help mitigate the impact of agricultural practices on climate change. AG-ACt aims to promote a more sustainable and resilient food system that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, sequesters carbon, enhances biodiversity, and promotes equity in food access, aligning with Canada’s net-zero goals.
We facilitate knowledge and data exchange to foster collaboration and leverage opportunities for cross-portfolio impacts. Learn more about each centre, the research portfolio, and the work we do.
AG-ACt envisions a future where genomic technologies fuel a carbon-neutral agricultural landscape. The center will act as a bridge between genomics research and practical policy implementation, ensuring innovations are rapidly adopted by interest-holders including, farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
AG-ACt will transform cutting-edge research into actionable strategies, driving Canada toward a leadership position in global sustainable agriculture.
Empower communities and stakeholders around shared values of sustainability through genomics-driven innovation and policy advancements.
Propel climate-smart genomics research into practice and support Canada’s net-zero objectives in agriculture and food production.
AG-ACt’s success hinges on cross-sector collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of interest-holders, including academic researchers, industry professionals, government policymakers, and Indigenous communities. AG-ACt promotes co-creation, dissemination, implementation, and commercialization of knowledge to facilitate the uptake and use of research outputs across the agriculture ecosystem.
AG-ACt is committed to developing Canada’s future leaders in genomics research by providing training opportunities for researchers and students. The centre will not only support the ICTs with their knowledge mobilization plans for their cutting-edge research, but also ensure that the next generation of scientists, technologists, and policymakers are equipped to continue advancing climate-smart agricultural practices.
Working with ICTs, AG-ACt will synthesize knowledge on key research themes, enhance collaborations, & identify gaps and opportunities to inform the value-added knowledge mobilization plan. This plan will inform actions and broaden impact in Phase II.
The focus shifts to implementation, where AG-ACt will lead ecosystem engagement activities, synthesizing knowledge and promoting uptake among policymakers, industry leaders, and underrepresented groups. During this phase, AG-ACt will work closely with external partners to ensure the integration of genomics-related sustainability indicators.
This phase aims to build future collaborations and establish a legacy plan to extend the initiative’s impact beyond its official term to continue to drive Canada toward a leadership position in sustainable agriculture
The Agricultural Genomics Action Centre offers an unprecedented opportunity for interest-holders across the agri-food sectors to collaborate on shaping the future of agriculture in Canada and beyond. By aligning genomics research with real-world solutions, AG-ACt can significantly advance sustainability, climate resilience, and food security. However, to achieve these ambitious goals, we need the active involvement and partnership of industry leaders, policymakers, academic institutions, and other key players in the agriculture ecosystem.
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey:
Accelerate innovation, shape sustainable markets.
As an industry partner, you’ll play a pivotal role in turning cutting-edge genomics research into real-world solutions. By engaging with AG-ACt, you can drive innovation while ensuring sustainable practices are embedded in future agri-food systems.
Advance impactful research, connect across disciplines.
AG-ACt provides an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and take your research beyond the lab. Through access to expansive research networks, cross-sectoral collaboration, and real-world implementation pathways, you can amplify the impact of your work and help shape a more sustainable future in agriculture.
Inform policy with science, drive national progress.
Engage with AG-ACt to develop evidence-based practices and policies that drive sustainability and climate-smart agriculture. Together, we can build a forward-thinking regulatory environment that fosters innovation, supports equitable food systems, and helps Canada achieve its net-zero goals.
Champion inclusive change, influence outcomes.
Your voice is vital in ensuring that agricultural innovations reflect diverse needs and priorities. If your mission aligns with sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, or climate action, AG-ACt provides an opportunity to collaborate, inform, and ensure your diverse voices and perspectives are integrated into the solutions co-created through the research portfolio.
We can turn research into action, drive meaningful change, and ensure a more sustainable and resilient future for Canada’s agriculture sector. Whether you are in business, government, academia, or the non-profit sector, there is a role for you in this critical endeavor.
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Knowledge Mobilization, Evaluation & Engagement Lead
Knowledge Mobilization, Evaluation & Engagement Lead
Lupin Battersby is the Knowledge Mobilization, Evaluation, and Engagement Lead at AG-ACt, providing strategic direction on knowledge mobilization, evaluation, and engagement strategies, training, and pilot initiatives.
With 20 years of experience in supporting, developing, and leading knowledge mobilization initiatives, Lupin has a strong focus on working with equity-deserving groups and communities, integrating intersectional analysis, and addressing social inequities. Lupin leads the Knowledge Mobilization Hub within the VP Research and Innovation portfolio at Simon Fraser University (SFU), a leader in community-centered climate innovation. She brings a network of people, resources, and expertise to engage in and mobilize innovations that address climate change in the agricultural sector.
Operational Lead
Operational Lead
Jessica Bowes is the Operational Lead at AG-ACt, with over 16 years of experience in knowledge mobilization and the commercialization of agricultural and agri-food innovation. She currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Research Innovation & Knowledge Mobilization at the University of Guelph, where she leads institutional technology transfer and knowledge mobilization strategies.
Throughout her career, Jessica has specialized in government-funded project development, implementation, and reporting, particularly in the fields of agriculture and biosciences. Leading the Research Innovation Office (RIO), she and her team leverage their extensive expertise to support the collaborative diffusion of innovation with an agile approach.
Strategic Agri-Food & Scientific Lead
Strategic Agri-Food & Scientific Lead
Dr. Karen Churchill leads the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan as their Chief Scientific Officer. With over two decades of international experience in research, sustainability, technology implementation, and corporate leadership, she is known for her strategic vision and commitment to innovation.
Before joining GIFS, Dr. Churchill was President and CEO of Ag-West Bio, where she championed innovative startups and expanded the organization's collaborative role. Her career includes senior roles with Cereals Canada and Cargill Malt, and scientific roles with Mars UK and the South Australian Research & Development Institute.
Dr. Churchill holds a PhD in Food Science from the University of Minnesota, an MSc in Crop Science, and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. She earned the ICD.D designation in 2022.
A respected industry voice, Dr. Churchill frequently speaks on sustainability, innovation ecosystems, and global market access. She has served on numerous boards and represented Canada on international trade and science missions. Her leadership is rooted in her upbringing on a seed grain and potato farm in Scott, Saskatchewan.
Knowledge Mobilization & Training Lead
Knowledge Mobilization & Training Lead
Elizabeth Shantz is the Knowledge Mobilization and Training Lead at AG-ACt, with over 12 years of experience spanning agriculture and food, water and environment, and community engagement sectors.
She currently serves as the Knowledge Mobilization Manager at the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, where she provides strategic advice on knowledge mobilization strategies, policy engagement, and training and capacity-building opportunities. Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in aligning the work of AG-ACt with broader agri-food initiatives at the University of Guelph, ensuring the mobilization of research outcomes to a broad and influential agri-food network.
Operations Director
Operations Director
Alex spearheads innovation and knowledge mobilization efforts to advance Genome Canada’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems research portfolio. With nearly a decade of experience in Canada’s innovation and agri-food ecosystems, she brings specialized expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and knowledge mobilization.
Before joining AG-ACt, Alex played a key role in shaping national agri-food innovation as Director of Programs at Bioenterprise Canada, one of the country’s top business accelerators in the sector. Alex holds two degrees from the University of Guelph, including a graduate degree in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences. She combines her technical background with strong operational and communication skills to drive meaningful outcomes across every project she leads.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Liz is responsible for liaising and building relationships with the Interdisciplinary Challenge Teams (ICTs) to synthesize outcomes, map interest-holders, and strengthen collaboration across the portfolio. She brings experience coordinating multi‑partner research initiatives in academic and community settings.
In her previous roles, she supported knowledge mobilization and interest-holder engagement in interdisciplinary food system research partnerships as the Project Coordinator for the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and as a Research Project Manager at the University of Waterloo. She holds an MSc in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph and a BSc in Health Sciences from Western University. Her Master’s research on Indigenous food sovereignty continues to inform her relationship‑based approach to partnership building.
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
Tiffany co-leads digital content strategy and develops various knowledge mobilization activities and outputs. She is dedicated to maximizing the impact of agri-food research across Canada to achieve the shared goal of net-zero emissions, benefiting both people and the planet.
Her passion for climate resilience, sustainability, and health is driven by her prior experience in California's environmental health sector, including roles with California Poison Control, UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, and LA County’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program. Tiffany holds a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of British Columbia and an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from UCLA in the United States.
Integration Coordinator
Integration Coordinator
Erlan holds a PhD and a BSc in Neuroscience from Université de Montréal and has over a decade of experience in neurology research, working with vulnerable patient populations with brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases across Québec and Ontario.
At his current position within AG-ACt, he is dedicated to promoting sustainable and resilient approaches to food systems through a One Health framework that supports the shared well‑being of humans, animals and ecosystems.
Project Administrator
Project Administrator
Michelle provides administrative support to AG-ACt. She is a full-time Project Coordinator at the Research Innovation Office (RIO) at the University of Guelph, supporting all aspects of the RIO portfolio—including industry liaison, technology transfer, and knowledge mobilization.
Michelle obtained a BSc in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph and has held various roles in pet nutrition, continuing and distance education, and research innovation. She loves seeing a project transition from the initial concept through to the finished product and supporting the development of action plans and activities to ensure the success of each project.
Collaboration is at the heart of the Agricultural Genomics Action Centre (AG-ACt). We work with researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities to turn cutting-edge genomics research into real-world solutions for climate-smart agriculture and food systems. Our partners help drive innovation, share knowledge, and bridge the gap between research and practice.
Together, we are building a more resilient and sustainable agri-food system across Canada.
Interested in collaborating with AG-ACt to drive innovation in climate-smart agri-food? Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities!
Director, Agri-food Data Strategy & Principal Investigator, CS-DCC
University of Guelph
Sr. Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
York University & Research Impact Canada
Founder
VISTA Science & Technology Inc.
Senior Director of Millénium Québecor
Université de Montréal
Research Scientist
Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS)
Principal, DMci Strategies
Founder & Senior Fellow, Centre for Agri-Food Benchmarking
Manager, Programs
Genome Prairie
Director, Scientific & Program Innovation
Ontario Genomics
Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Resource Economics & Agri-Food Innovation and Sustainability Enhancement Chair
University of Saskatchewan
Chief Scientific Officer
Genome Prairie
AG-ACt is uniting researchers, students, industry partners, policymakers, and community organizations to shape the future of sustainable, climate-smart agriculture and food systems across Canada. We invite you to collaborate, contribute, or learn more about how we’re driving this meaningful change.
Contact us today! Fill out the form or email us at ag.act@climatesmartagrifood.ca
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