Shaping the Future of Agri-food and Rural DEVELOPMENT
Guelph, Ontario, Canada 29-31 October, 2025
Extension 4.0: Disruption and Transformation in Agri-food and Rural Development
Scholarly and policy discussions, both globally and regionally, have long been captivated by a compelling question: Does Canada possess a truly effective agri-food and rural extension and advisory service? While Canada boasts a rich legacy of success in crop production, livestock management, environmental stewardship, and rural support, there remains a conspicuous gap.
A focus on interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral learning from researchers, educators, students, government officials, policymakers, advisory professionals, producer organizations, community-based organizations, technology/input providers, farmer and community leaders.
- Submission deadline: 31 May 2025
- Notification of acceptance: Before 15 June 2025
- Submission of the extended abstract : 31 August 2025
- Registration: 1 June 2025 to 7 September 2025
- Host: School of Environmental Design and Rural Development & Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Ontario
- Contact: caree@uoguelph.ca
A Canadian conference focusing on local, provincial/state, regional and international issues related to agriculture & rural advisory, extension and education.
A limited number of seats are available for online/remote participation. The abstract submissions will be considered for publication in the peer-reviewed conference proceedings.
Why Attend CAREE?
Networking with Industry Leaders
Network with influential professionals, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the agri-food and rural development sectors. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and expand your professional network, contributing to the future of extension and advisory services in Canada.
A Cross-sectoral Perspective into Agri-food & Rural Innovation
Learn about how cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, precision agriculture, and digital tools are transforming the landscape of agri-food & rural extension and advisory services. Gain insights into how these innovations are shaping the future of advisory services in crop, livestock, environment and rural development.
Shape the Future of Extension Services
Be part of an important dialogue on the future of extension, advisory, and educational services in Canada. Engage in discussions that will influence policy, curriculum changes, and best practices, ensuring that Canada’s agricultural and rural sectors remain competitive and sustainable. Your contribution will be part of the scant reference materials (peer-reviewed proceedings and/or edited volume) available for Canadian agri-food, rural advisory, extension and education scholarship
Topics
Policy, Approaches, Trends, and Evidence-based Action
Exploring the historical context and current transformations in Canada’s agricultural extension and education systems, the session will focus on the role of advisory systems in navigating these changes. It will highlight key policies, frameworks, and strategies that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across multiple sectors. The discussion will address the trends and evidence-based action at the provincial and federal levels and how they align with each other and with global and regional trends.
Digitalization and Responsible Use of AI in Advisory Services and Education
The digital revolution is reshaping agri-food and rural development. This topic examines how technologies, such as AI and digital platforms, are transforming advisory and educational services. Discussions will center on how these technologies affect decision-making, communication, and collaboration among stakeholders. It will also cover challenges related to ethics, data governance, misinformation, and the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in knowledge mobilization.
Indigenous and Northern Development, Social Inclusion, and Well-being of Agricultural and Rural Communities
The intersection of equity, diversity, and development within Canada’s agri-food & rural advisory and extension systems will be explored, particularly in Indigenous, northern, remote and disadvantaged communities. The topic focuses on how advisory services can better serve marginalized groups, promote decolonization, and support social inclusion in agri-food systems. Moreover, mental health and well-being, especially in rural and remote communities, are the key focus of the topic.
Extension, Education, and Institutional Capacity for Driving Agri-food Systems Transformation
Focusing on organizational and institutional capacities, this topic discusses the growing need for advisory and extension organizations to adapt to new challenges, including digitalization, AI, and misinformation. It will explore how advisors can enhance their professional skills, manage diversity, and engage in cross-cultural interactions while supporting systemic, transformative processes within agri-food and rural systems.
Extension and Advisory to Facilitate Entrepreneurship, Bio-economy, Food Safety, Agro-ecology, Animal Welfare, and Resilience to Climate Change
Extension services play a key role in supporting entrepreneurs and stakeholders in adopting innovative practices in bio-economy, agro-ecology, food safety, and animal welfare. The topic will explore how advisory systems can assist farmers and rural communities in transitioning to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, while addressing emerging challenges like climate change and disaster management.
Extension, Media, Rural and Risk Communication Services
Media and journalism play a vital role in shaping perceptions about agri-food systems and rural livelihoods. This topic explores how media and communication services can help farmers and rural communities respond to emerging risks and disasters. It also covers the transition of traditional media in the digital age and the collaboration between media, extension, and advisory services to promote sustainable agri-food systems and rural development.
Navigating the Future of Agri-food & Rural Development
As Canada’s agri-food and rural sectors undergo significant changes, it is crucial to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our extension and advisory services. This conference's theme, "Extension 4.0," will address these critical issues and provide a platform to discuss the future of these services in a rapidly transforming environment. With the rise of digital technologies, emerging policies, and new strategies, this conference will highlight the challenges and opportunities for strengthening Canada’s agri-food and rural extension and advisory services.
Insight into the Evolution of Extension Services
Learn how agricultural extension has evolved from traditional methods (Extension 1.0) to today’s digital-first advisory systems (Extension 3.0) and explore the future with Extension 4.0. Understand the impact of new technologies like AI, precision agriculture, and large language models on extension practices and knowledge mobilization
Engage with Global, Regional, National and Provincial Experts
This conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Canada and beyond. Share insights, exchange ideas, and learn about global trends in agricultural extension that can inform Canada’s approach to rural development and agricultural sustainability.
Realizing the Vision for Canadian Excellence
Be part of realizing the vision for the excellence of agri-food & rural advisory, extension and education services by focusing on "taking stock moving forward—disruption and transformation of extension, advisory and education in agri-food and rural development."
Host
Posts
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Where Innovation Meets Agri-food & Rural Development
This conference brings together thought leaders, researchers, early career professionals and practitioners to discuss the future of agriculture and rural development in the digital age.