The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, visited Olds College of Agriculture & Technology on Thursday, June 25, 2026 along with Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson and regional representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
As part of the campus tour, Minister MacDonald got a tour of the Olds College Smart Farm, the Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre and the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production feedlots, exploring how Olds College is shaping the future of agriculture, from ground-breaking applied research to students learning critical skills that directly prepare them for jobs in the agriculture industry.
“Innovation on the ground is what drives Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector forward. Seeing firsthand how Olds College integrates cutting-edge technology with practical education reinforces the vital role post-secondary institutions play in securing our national food supply and driving economic growth."
The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
This visit comes at a critical juncture for Canadian agriculture, as the federal government launches the National Food Strategy with the objectives of driving productivity and innovation in agriculture and lowering food prices for Canadians.
“We were honoured to welcome Minister MacDonald to Olds College and show him the amazing work happening on the Olds College Smart Farm. While the National Food Strategy sets a bold vision for the future, Olds College’s scientists, researchers and support staff are actively tackling the everyday realities and challenges of Canada’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.”
Todd Ormann, Vice President of External Relations and Research, Olds College
The visit also highlighted the growing need for funding to advance research at Canadian institutions. According to a recent RBC Thought Leadership report on Canadian agriculture, The Next Generation of Growth, public investment in agricultural research and development has declined by 15 per cent since 2010. Furthermore, private sector research and development outsourced to universities has plummeted by 77 per cent over the past five years, and the number of enterprises conducting research and development has shrunk by 29 per cent over the past decade.
Olds College stands as a vital exception to these trends. Since 2018, the Olds College Smart Farm has collaborated with nearly 500 agricultural companies to accelerate product development for farming and ranching communities. Today, industry collaboration accounts for 41 per cent of the College’s applied research revenues. As the federal government implements the National Food Strategy, Olds College remains committed to advancing applied research and industry partnerships to support Canada’s competitiveness in the global agri-food market.
