Driving Agrifood Innovation

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Research Associate

who we are

25 Years of Trusted Science Analysis and Advice

Driving the discovery, development, commercialization, acceptance, and adoption of agri‑innovations.

Since 1998, VISTA Science & Technology has been supporting Canada's agrifood sector to drive the discovery, development, commercialization and adoption of agri-innovations. We understand the challenges of putting research into action in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Whether you are discovering or developing new agri-innovations, putting research into practice, or investing in or funding agrifood research, you will benefit from our independent, evidence-based analyses, advice and solutions.

our philosophy

The Promise of Science

For more than 150 years, Canada's agriculture sector has embraced the promise of science to become a global leader in sustainable food production.

Unlocking the promise of science to accelerate discovery, development, commercialization and adoption of new research to drive agri-innovation is an ongoing challenge defined by complexity, uncertainty, risk and ambiguity. Understanding this complexity is key to effectively navigating and negotiating an increasingly uncertain future to realize the promise of science.

The promise of science is a compelling force in society. It represents our confidence in science to find solutions for our most urgent and critical social-ecological challenges. As a rigorous method of intellectual inquiry, science is our most credible and reliable source of knowledge. Our investments in research and science are a testament to our shared vision of the promise of science.

Woman with surgical mask holding up a young plant.

A simple landscape with a question-mark shaped gap in the ground.

independent research

Maximizing the Benefits and Impact of Agricultural Innovation

Our research in agricultural innovation systems and knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) seeks to close the "research-to-action gap."

VISTA maintains an active in-house research program. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative social science methods, we investigate and explore the social-ecological dynamics of agricultural innovation systems. A core area of our research is the role of knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) in the discovery, development, commercialization, acceptance and adoption of agri-innovations and the implications for practice, policy and governance.

Learn more about our past research

Learn more about our current research: Developing Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Aggregate Extraction Sites in Prime Agriculture Areas

Our Latest Publications

Feature Editorial

Focus on Artificial Intelligence Research

By M. A. (Amy) Lemay

Canadian researchers and industry partners are expanding Canada's role as an international leader in AI research by driving advancements in AI to address real-world challenges and responsible innovation

read the article

Sustainability & Transformation

Determinants of Adoption of Automation and Robotics Technology in the Agriculture Sector: A Mixed Methods, Narrative, Interpretive Knowledge Synthesis

By M. A. (Amy) Lemay & Jeff Boggs

This article identifies 13 key factors influencing the adoption of automation and robotics in agriculture and highlights the need for tailored policies and practical solutions to drive adoption.

read the article

Our clients and partners in Canadian agrifood innovation

our services

Analyses, Advice, and Solutions to Drive Agri‑Innovation

VISTA's independent, evidence-based services will enable you to:

Manage and mobilize research for enhanced benefits and impact

Gain novel insights on emerging agrifood science, research, and innovation opportunities

Make agrifood science and research more accessible, meaningful, and useful

Put agrifood research into action

strategic innovation positioning

Position Agrifood Research for Impact

VISTA's Innovation Positioning Framework is a proven, evidence-based approach for accelerating the discovery, development, commercialization and adoption of new research and science to drive agri-innovation.

Strategic research planning

Research prioritizing and positioning

Research impact assessments

Technology market and commercialization assessments

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Policy Analysis

Create the Enabling Conditions that Drive Agri‑Innovation

Science and research are vital for effective policy, governance and regulatory frameworks. It’s a complex relationship. Whether it’s “policy for science” or “science for policy”, we have the tools and experience to support your needs.

Global science, research and innovation (SRI) policy reviews

SRI trend analyses

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science communications

Impactful Messaging Drives Agri‑Innovation Discovery and Adoption

Science communication is about telling stories that engage, inform, educate and inspire diverse audiences in the promise of agriculture science. VISTA has been telling stories about Canadian agriculture science and research for 25 years.

Proposal writing and consulting

Knowledge mobilization

Global knowledge syntheses

Freelance science writing

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