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.

A student points to a computer monitor while talking with a professor in a research lab.

Manitoba Agriculture and Food Knowledge Exchange Faculty Conversation Series

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.

Sustainable crop and livestock production systems 

Plant and animal scientists have created a unique collaboration studying the use of perennial grains as a dual-purpose crop to provide both a cash food crop and high-quality forage for grazing cattle.

Learn more about our sustainable crop and livestock production systems research

Safe, nutritious and healthy food 

Researchers in food and human nutritional sciences are developing processing techniques of high quality plant protein-rich foods to create nutritious, and delicious, foods.

Learn more about our research in safe, nutritious and healthy food

Sustainable and healthy bioproducts and biomaterials

Building on our strong legacy of oilseed research, the Brassica breeding team is working to transform canola meal from an oil processing by-product to a high-value co-product.

Learn more about our sustainable and healthy bioproducts and biomaterials research

Land and water resources management

Our students and researchers are exploring innovative ways to bring safe drinking water and sustainable wastewater infrastructure to First Nations communities through the CREATE H2O training program.

Learn more about our land and water resources management research

A cow standing in a field eating some grass.
Dr. Filiz Koksel and her team extruding healthy snacks from cereal and pulse flours.
A field of blooming canola.
Three people in a boat on a lake.

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/
Resercher 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…
Digvir Jayas working in a lab.

Digvir Jayas

A renowned expert in stored-grain ecosystems, Digvir integrated principles of engineering and biology to revolutionize grain storage practices around the world.
https://news.umanitoba.ca/manitoba-co-operator-farming-poetry-and-math/
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.
Resercher Joyce Slater standing in front of some sunflowers.
Digvir Jayas working in a lab.
Kim Ominski.

Research centres and capabilities

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.

Cattle grazing in a field.

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 view of the Glenlea Research Station during the summer months.

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
    Room 248A Agriculture Building
    66 Dafoe Road
    University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
    Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

    204-290-7302
    chantal.bassett@umanitoba.ca