The Social Implications of Agri-Genomics: Ensuring a Just Transition to Climate-Resilient Agricultural and Food Systems in Canada
Dr. Robert Newell was co-applicant on a Genome Canada grant led by Dr. Stefania Pizzirani (University of the Fraser Valley) to develop a toolkit to support just agri-genomics transitions.
For Canada to be a leader in agri-genomics, it must also be a leader in prioritizing social justice in agri-genomics across the innovation process, from research to implementation. Emerging agri-genomic technologies, such as cellular agriculture and gene editing, are positioned to make significant inroads on achieving Canada's 2030/2050 emissions targets in food systems by increasing agricultural production efficiency, sequestering carbon, and reducing food waste. However, these technologies do not exist in a vacuum, as they are developed and implemented in food systems with sustainability and social justice challenges. While emerging agri-genomics hold potential for improved climate-related outcomes, they come with trade-offs, including poorly-understood social implications for already marginalized communities.
This research project aims to produce useful tools and knowledge for policymakers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and the public navigate social implications of agri-genomic technologies and integrate social justice considerations into their development and use. The research project involves a variety of methods and activities, including a comprehensive literature review on agri-genomics technologies in the context of climate action and social justice, a national survey administered to potential consumers of agri-genomic products, case studies on different agri-genomic technologies, and scenario analysis of the potential outcomes of developing agri-genomic technologies and industries in different ways. Outcomes of this project include a toolkit for enabling a just transition through agri-genomics across four points of climate intervention: policy, research, industry, and public perceptions.