National Headquarters
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s National Headquarters is located in Ottawa, Ontario. This central office oversees the department’s national operations, including policy development, program management, and strategic planning. The headquarters serves as the main hub for coordinating activities across various regions and provides leadership in setting national agricultural priorities and initiatives.
Regional Offices
AAFC operates several regional offices across Canada, each focusing on the specific agricultural needs and challenges of its area. These offices are instrumental in implementing national programs and policies at the regional level and providing support to local farmers and agribusinesses.
Western Canada
- Prairie Regional Office: Located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, this office serves the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It focuses on issues related to cereal and oilseed crops, livestock production, and rural development in the region.
- British Columbia Regional Office: Situated in Vancouver, British Columbia, this office addresses the unique agricultural needs of the province, including specialty crops, greenhouse and nursery operations, and coastal farming practices.
Central Canada
- Ontario Regional Office: Based in Guelph, Ontario, this office supports agricultural activities in the province, including field crops, horticulture, and agribusiness. It also engages in research and development specific to Ontario’s diverse agricultural landscape.
- Quebec Regional Office: Located in Quebec City, Quebec, this office focuses on the agricultural sector in Quebec, addressing issues related to dairy farming, maple syrup production, and other regional agricultural practices.
Eastern Canada
- Atlantic Regional Office: With a main office in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, this office covers the Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It supports regional agricultural industries such as seafood, berries, and dairy farming.
Research Stations and Laboratories
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada operates several research stations and laboratories across the country, dedicated to advancing agricultural science and technology.
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre: Located in Lethbridge, Alberta, this facility focuses on research related to crop production, soil health, and sustainable farming practices specific to the Prairie region.
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre: Situated in Ottawa, Ontario, this center conducts research on a wide range of agricultural topics, including plant genetics, pest management, and agricultural policy.
- Saskatoon Research and Development Centre: Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, this facility specializes in research on cereal crops, oilseeds, and soil management practices suitable for the Prairie provinces.
- Agassiz Research and Development Centre: Located in Agassiz, British Columbia, this center focuses on research related to horticulture, pest management, and environmental sustainability in the Pacific region.
Field Offices and Service Centres
AAFC also has various field offices and service centers throughout Canada that provide on-the-ground support and technical assistance to farmers and agribusinesses. These locations offer services such as farm visits, technical advice, and local program administration.
Regional Outreach and Partnerships
In addition to its physical locations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada engages in outreach and partnerships with local organizations, agricultural associations, and academic institutions. These collaborations help address regional agricultural challenges, promote innovation, and support community-based initiatives.
Summary
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s locations span across the country, with regional offices, research centers, and field offices strategically positioned to support the diverse agricultural needs of Canadians. From the National Headquarters in Ottawa to specialized research facilities and regional offices, AAFC’s network plays a vital role in advancing Canada’s agricultural sector, promoting innovation, and supporting farmers and agribusinesses.