Conference Dates: October 29-31, 2025
Location: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Extension 4.0: Taking Stock Moving Forward—Disruption and Transformation of Extension, Advisory, and Education in Canadian Agri-food and Rural Development
The 1st Canadian Agri-food & Rural Advisory, Extension, and Education (CAREE) Conference brings together leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to explore the critical issues facing the future of Canadian agriculture, rural communities, and extension services. Hosted at the prestigious University of Guelph, this inaugural event seeks to create a platform for collaborative exchange on the transformative role of agri-food and rural advisory, extension, and education services.
Call for Papers (CFP)
The conference invites submissions from researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and educators in the field of agri-food and rural development. We welcome research papers, case studies, and practical applications addressing the key themes of the conference. Accepted submissions will be presented at the conference and included in the peer-reviewed proceedings. A select number of papers will be considered for publication in an edited volume, adding to the scant reference materials available for Canadian agri-food, rural advisory, extension and education scholarship. Submit abstract.
Conference Themes & Objectives
Canada has a rich history in agricultural excellence, environmental stewardship, and rural support. However, as the global and regional agri-food sectors evolve rapidly, there remains a pressing need to examine the effectiveness of Canadian extension and advisory services. CAREE 2025 will focus on understanding this gap and exploring ways to strengthen these services, with a clear focus on transforming the Canadian agri-food and rural sectors.
Key topics include:
- Enhancing Extension Services: How can Canada develop a more cohesive and impactful approach to agricultural and rural extension?
- Policy Development: The need for policy innovation in response to emerging trends and challenges in the agricultural and rural development landscape.
- Education for Future Leaders: Transforming agricultural education to prepare the next generation of extension workers and rural leaders.
- Disruptive Technologies: Leveraging new technologies and innovations to drive efficiency and sustainability in rural development and agricultural practices.
- Climate Change & Environmental Stewardship: Strategies for addressing environmental challenges in rural and agricultural communities.
- Community Engagement: How can advisory services foster stronger connections between rural communities, agriculture, and government?
About the Host Institution: University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is renowned for its research and leadership in agri-food, rural development, and environmental sustainability. The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), with its rich legacy of agricultural extension and advisory services, is at the forefront of this field in Canada. The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) brings together major academic fields concerned with creating strong communities in Canada and around the world. One of its programs, Capacity Development and Extension, is the only graduate program offering a degree in this discipline. The university is proud to host the CAREE conference to advance the critical discussion on agricultural & rural advisory, extension, and education and realize the vision for a Canadian approach and excellence.
Why Attend CAREE 2025?
- Engage with Experts: Network and discuss with leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the agri-food and rural extension fields.
- Learn from Best Practices: Share and learn from innovative approaches to extension, advisory services, and education that are shaping Canada’s agri-food and rural future.
- Contribute to National Discussions: Be part of the conversation on transforming Canada’s agri-food and rural sectors in a rapidly changing world, especially urgency for a Canadian approach.
- Foster Collaboration: Participate in interdisciplinary discussions that bring together academics, government, industry, early career professions and communities to work toward sustainable agri-food and rural development.