Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Research

Our researchers are working in creative ways to address the complex challenges facing the agricultural and food industry and to pursue answers to broader environmental and health-related questions. We cultivate multi-disciplinary research partnerships across the University of Manitoba and with provincial, Canadian and global collaborators.

Researchers in a field work with the plants

Chairs Manitoba Agriculture and Food Knowledge Exchange Faculty Conversation Series

Strategic Research Plan

  • The UM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences is a national leader in agri-food research and training excellence, recognized for our research innovations and extension contributions that offer solutions to grand challenges facing society including climate change, food security, food safety, and nutritional well-being.

    In the FAFS Strategic Research Plan (2022-2027) we share our vision, principles, strengths, and approach to tackling these challenges.

    Download the Strategic Research Plan

Research strengths

One of the most research-intensive faculties at the University of Manitoba, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences is recognized across Canada and around the world for expertise across several key areas.

Crops and cropping systems of the future

Our researchers develop crops and cropping systems for best performance and long-term sustainability, through technologies to enhance crop production and crop health, resource management, and crop and animal protection entomology and pollination.

Canada’s premier livestock research and outreach campus

The UM is home to world-class livestock research that is making innovative advances in animal nutrition, crop and livestock integration, and livestock production systems that are sustainable and resilient.

 

Food innovations for nutrition and health

Building on our long history in food and nutrition innovations, the Faculty looks to further its top-quality research in sustainable food and feed protein systems, applied nutrition and food security, grain storage ecosystems, and innovations in healthy food quality and processing.

 

Decision-making through data and technology

Agri-food systems increasingly rely on complex and real-time data collection and analysis to improve management decisions and inform public policy. UM research will address these challenges across biosystems and agricultural engineering, agri-food policy and economics, and -omics applications within agri-food and health.

 

2 people watch a drone fly over a field
A technician holds a young piglet
3 scientists do research in a lab
A person uses a tablet in front of silos on a rail line

Our researchers

Our researchers provide informed and sound outreach, particularly for the agriculture sector in
Manitoba, but increasingly to global agro-food and nutrition and wellness communities.

 

Researcher profiles

Martin Entz standing in a field.

Martin Entz

Martin, the guiding hand behind Canada’s longest-running organic-versus-conventional crop system study, aims to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to design systems that work for them.
https://news.umanitoba.ca/plant-scientist-recognized-for-contributions/
Researcher Joyce Slater standing in front of some sunflowers.

Joyce Slater

A community nutrition scientist, Joyce is engaged in food security and nutrition surveillance which serves to educate the public and to inform policies, programs and advocacy for healthy eating.
https://news.umanitoba.ca/wpg-free-press-online-winnipeg-atlas-charts-food-dese…
Kim Ominski.

Kim Ominski

Kim leads a multi-disciplinary team seeking to improve the productivity and sustainability of beef cattle production in Western Canada, while exploring greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.
https://news.umanitoba.ca/how-to-weigh-a-kilogram-of-beef/
Martin Entz standing in a field.
Researcher Joyce Slater standing in front of some sunflowers.
Kim Ominski.

Research chairs

Research chairs are academic members who are recognized for their excellence and impact through external funding of their research programs. These are made possible by the Canada Research Chair program, NSERC, industry, partners, grower organizations and foundations.

Meet the Faculty's Research Chairs

Research capabilities and facilities

The faculty’s research infrastructure includes specialized facilities, modern laboratories and collaborative research centres where our scientists and students work to address our research priorities.

White cows in a field watch the photographer

National Centre for Livestock and the Environment

The National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) is a University of Manitoba-based research community that engages in multi-disciplinary, multi-agency research partnerships to further the long term economic and environmental sustainability of integrated livestock and crop production systems. NCLE draws on the extensive, diverse expertise of the NCLE research team, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and multiple research locations.
An aerial photo of the Glenlea Research Station during summer.

Other research facilities

Supporting our research

Potatoes covered in soil sit in wire baskets.

Research Chair in Potato Sustainability campaign

The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences has partnered with the Manitoba potato industry to establish a Research Chair in Potato Sustainability with the goal of becoming a world leader in cutting-edge potato research, education, and extension to support a thriving and resilient potato industry in Manitoba and beyond. The remarkable performance of the province’s potato sector, coupled with the changing nature of global food production and distribution, makes this an ideal time to pursue the establishment of the Chair.

A rendering of the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility

Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility campaign

The University of Manitoba's new Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility will be a cornerstone of research excellence, building on the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences' global reputation for innovation, rigour, and discovery. Your support will make it possible.

Engage with us

We have a coordinated research team committed to driving investigation and innovation forward in the faculty. Our research facilitator offers support for faculty members in identifying, planning and preparing competitive grant and contract applications.

Learn more about the UM Partnership and Innovation program

  • Dr. Nazim Cicek
    Associate Dean, Research
    Room 256 Agriculture Building
    66 Dafoe Road
    University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
    Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

    204-474-6082
    agresear@umanitoba.ca

  • Dr. Chantal Bassett
    Research facilitator
    On leave