Agricultural Literacy
This special project with generous funding from BMO aims to draw on multiple sources and perspectives to demystify information about our food system. Discussions around agriculture tend to be mired by controversy, misconception and stereotypes that prevent informed consumer choices and frustrate policy development.
Only by building a more complete picture of real-world agriculture can we achieve the sustainable food systems necessary to enact significant changes in the dietary habits of millions of people. Access to reliable information and data enables individuals to understand issues, think, and act.
Our process
The Simpson Centre, in collaboration with 13 Canadian and U.S. universities, will conduct research and outreach to develop a pragmatic knowledge engagement program. This program aims to foster open and transparent communication with stakeholders.
Across life sciences, social sciences, the humanities, industry experts, and farmers we will bring our expertise to collaboratively interact and work with the public. Recent innovations in social and digital research approaches will help us to engage, explore and clarify information required for social change.
The program aims to connect research, industry, and government audiences with consumers, citizens, indigenous communities, foodies, and food advocates, particularly young adults of voting age.
Desired outcomes
Over five years, we will deliver:
- Investigation of food-related misinformation on social media platforms.
- Citizen assemblies, including educational packages, videography and outreach.
- A targeted communications campaign to actively engage the public with program deliverables.
Exploring Agri-Food Controversies
These Ag Literacy resources dive into agri-food controversies through narrative exploration – bringing complex issues and a range of viewpoints together in an accessible format to help navigate the debates shaping our food systems.
Take a closer look at biodigesters – their benefits, their challenges, and their place in sustainable development.
[Debunking Biodigesters & Environmental Effects: Promises & Pitfalls]
[Debunking Biodigesters & Odour: Causes, Myths & Management]
Examine the Case Study of The Rimrock Biodigester Controversy and how the project became one of Alberta’s most talked-about agriculture stories, shaped by community concerns and media coverage.
[How Public Perception and Media Gaps Shaped The Rimrock Biodigester Controversy]
Explore the interactive, clickable document below to discover the diverse perspectives, key actors, and guiding values shaping both current understanding and the future of regenerative agriculture.
Want to receive updates?
For more information about the Agricultural Literacy Program, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
TO SUPPORT.
Sarah Parker
Director of Development
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
E: [email protected]
This work was supported by BMO in an agreement that encourages research, research dissemination, and public outreach. The donors will not be involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of documents, or the decision to submit it for publication.
