Research

We work with industry, government, and academic and research institutions - both nationally and internationally - to carry out innovative research in agriculture, aquaculture, the environment, and related fields.

Our research is helping to innovate new technologies for environmental sustainability, rural growth, and bio-resource innovation in support of the agri-food and aquaculture industries.

Research labs, groups, and facilities Our researchers Strategic research plan 2026 Summer research awards

Red barn in a green field under a cloudy sky.

Research labs, groups, and facilities

With over 400 hectares of research fields, in addition to our modern and extensive laboratories, we have a number of research facilities unique to the Atlantic region, including:

A 250-hectare farm
Extensive pasture
Field and turfgrass facilities
Greenhouses
An experimental orchard
A number of outlying research facilities.

Explore our labs, groups, and facilities

Student wearing a blue lab coat holding a clipboard standing on a stool next to green tanks.

Our researchers

Conducting more than $10 million in annual research, we work with industry, government, academic and research institutions - both nationally and internationally - to carry out innovative research in agriculture, aquaculture, the environment and related fields.

Meet our researchers

A student kneels in long grass in front of scientific equipment. They are wearing jeans and a t-shirt and holding a notepad.

Strategic research plan

At the Faculty of Agriculture, we’re shaping the future of food, farming, and sustainability through bold, collaborative research. Our 2021–2026 Strategic Research Plan outlines our commitment to innovation, community impact, and global leadership in agricultural science.

Our vision

To be an international leader in agricultural education, research, and community engagement.

Our mission

To generate knowledge, train leaders, and develop solutions for healthy, sustainable societies.

Our values

Excellence in research and innovation
Environmental and social responsibility
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA)
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Mentorship and training of emerging scholars

Dr. Margaret Oulton (PhD’75), inaugural Golden Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Read the full report: Faculty of Agriculture 2021-2026 Strategic Research Plan [PDF – 966KB]

Strategic focus areas

Food Security & Sustainability
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Digital & Precision Farming
Clean Agricultural Technology
Agri-Food Business & Innovation

Our goals by 2026

Recruit top researchers and double PhD enrollment
Launch new research centres in soil management and digital agriculture
Increase research funding and publications
Strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and communities
Support entrepreneurship and create spin-off companies

Strategic initiatives

Dairy Facility Renewal: Modernizing Atlantic Canada’s dairy research hub
Centre for Sustainable Soil Management: Leading soil health innovation
Centre for Digital and Precision Agriculture: Advancing smart farming technologies

Research highlights

From markets to meals: Dal researcher leads global food systems study

Political economy, financialization and science and technology studies are the focus of Dr. Phoebe Stephens’ (Department of Business and Social Sciences) interdisciplinary research, which considers how market dynamics influence sustainability transitions in food systems.

A woman looks at prices of fruit in a grocery isle.

Faculty of Agriculture students win the top awards at the Science Atlantic conference

The Science Atlantic Nutrition and Foods Division Annual Conference (SANFCon) brings together budding scientists with people established in nutrition and food sciences in the Atlantic provinces. At this year's conference, co-hosted by Dal and MSVU, three Agriculture students were recognized with awards.

A composite image of three female presenting researchers in laboratory environments.

Potato power: Ongoing philanthropic collaboration elevates research in sustainable agriculture

A transformational investment from Potatoes New Brunswick and McCain foods supports the McCain Research Chair Dr. Ahmad Al-Mallahi's research. His goal is to develop machines and equipment with precise operations to optimize farm output while producing food.

A mane wearing glasses and a white lab coat stands in front of a tractor holding a basket of potatoes.

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Research

Research labs, groups, and facilities

Our researchers