Background and Rationale

Agricultural extension and advisory services (EAS) are undergoing a significant transformation towards Extension 4.0. This new approach is characterized by digitalization, diverse advisory systems, and network-based knowledge mobilization. This shift reflects the increasing complexity of agri-food systems, where farmers and service providers must address productivity, environmental sustainability, economic viability, and food security simultaneously.

However, current extension and advisory systems are fragmented across the sector. EAS related to crops, livestock, the environment, and food security are often delivered independently. Additionally, support for farm management—crucial for decision-making, risk management, and profitability—is frequently disconnected from technical advisory services.

It is also important to note that extension systems have been facing challenges of adequately promoting equity and accessibility, particularly for Indigenous and northern communities, as well as other underserved groups. Geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, cultural mismatches, and historical inequities create barriers to accessing relevant, trustworthy, and context-specific EAS.

These challenges emphasize the need for a cross-sectoral and inclusive framework that:

  • Integrates crop, livestock, environmental, food security, and farm management systems,
  • Embeds equity, targeting, and inclusion at its core,
  • Supports diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and place-based knowledge,
  • Leverages Extension 4.0 tools and approaches for more responsive and adaptive service delivery.

Overall Goal

To foster discussion and gather insights on an inclusive Extension 4.0 framework that integrates crop, livestock, farm business management, environmental sustainability, food security, and equity considerations, thereby supporting a resilient and sustainable agriculture and agri-food system.

Symposium Discussion Themes

The following thematic questions will guide discussion throughout the symposium.

What are the common functions, tools, and approaches across EAS?

How do differences in production sectors, cycles, knowledge requirements, and risk profiles shape EAS delivery?

What institutional and professional structures reinforce sectoral separation?

How does the separation affect farm-level decision-making?

What inefficiencies or missed synergies arise?

How does fragmentation influence environmental outcomes and resource use?

How can farm management EAS serve as a unifying platform for integration?

How can CAREE support capacity building and development of EAS in Canada?

What tools and methods support whole-farm assessment and decision-making?

How can we promote Equity, Targeting, and Inclusion in EAS?

  • Targeted advisory approaches for remote and northern regions.
  • Integration of Indigenous and place-based knowledge systems.
  • Addressing barriers to access (infrastructure, language, trust).
  • Inclusive service design for women, youth, and marginalized groups.

CAREE 2026 · Extension & Advisory Services

Symposium Program

Full-day schedule · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

8:00 AM

Registration

60 MIN
9:00 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

15 MIN
9:15 AM

Opening Presentation

15 MIN
9:30 AM

Does Canada's Extension, Advisory Service System Meet the Need?

60 MIN
10:30 AM

Networking Break

30 MIN
11:00 AM

EAS in Practice: On-Farm Realities

60 MIN
12:00 PM

Lunch

60 MIN
1:00 PM

Tabletop Discussion: Reflections and Recommendations

30 MIN
1:30 PM

Reporting and Open Discussion: Strengthening EAS

60 MIN
2:30 PM

Networking Break

30 MIN
3:00 PM
Anchor Session

Reimagining Capacity Building in EAS: Extension Education, Knowledge Systems, and CAREE

4:30 PM

Wrap Up and Next Steps

30 MIN
5:00 PM

Closing

Important Parking Details

Parking lot P11 is reserved for conference participants on the 29th, 30th, and 31st.

Directions to the University Centre:

Parking lot P11 is located at the corner of East Ring Rd. and South Ring Rd. From P11, head West along South Lane and turn right on Winegard Walk. Continue North on Winegard Walk and the University Centre will be on your left.

See walking directions here

Organizing Team

Ataharul Chowdhury

University of Guelph

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Heather Watson

Farm Management Canada

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Jean Howden

Livestock Research and Innovation Corporation

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Rebecca Lee

Advocating for Resilient Communities and Sustainable Agri-food Systems

Linkedin
Sadaf Mollaei

Arrell Food Institute

Linkedin
Khondokar Kabir

University of Guelph

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Nasir Khan

University of Guelph

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Milad Zhoolideh

University of Guelph

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Uduak Edet

University of Guelph

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Highlights

Host & Organizer

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