A Canadian first is putting cutting-edge science to work for farmers, food producers and the future of agriculture.
Taylor Chin, a Research Technician at KPU's Applied Genomics Centre.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)'s Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) has been designated a Technology Access Centre (TAC) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The designation was part of an NSERC-managed College and Community Innovation funding package announced on July 9 by Mélanie Joly, the federal Minister of Industry. The AGC is the only TAC in Canada dedicated to genomics the study of DNA and the first TAC to focus specifically on applied genomic services for the agriculture sector.
"KPU is proud to serve as a catalyst for innovation, sustainability and economic development in Canada, particularly as the country looks to enhance domestic food production," says KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis.
Backed by NSERC's renewable five-year funding model, along with support from KPU and industry partners, the AGC-TAC is positioned to drive agricultural innovation through at least 2030. Unlike traditional academic research centres, the AGC-TAC supports small and medium-sized enterprises with hands-on, customized research and development.
"When producers use genomics to manage disease, they can raise healthier livestock and grow stronger crops leading to higher yields and better financial stability," says AGC director Dr. Paul Adams.
"This designation provides long-term, renewable funding. With expanded networks and financial security, we can do more of what we do best delivering research, development and innovation services to companies that would otherwise not have access to this type of technology."
Since opening in 2019, AGC has worked with more than 60 partners, including local producers, government agencies and Indigenous communities. The centre provides hands-on training to undergraduate students in the School of Horticulture and Bachelor of Science in Biology program, preparing them for careers in science, innovation and agri-tech.
Technology Access Centre status recognizes the AGC's impact on Canada's agriculture sector, says Deepak Gupta, Associate Vice-President of Research and Innovation at KPU. "The growing co-investments from AGC's research beneficiaries reflects the excellent work of the centre's faculty, staff and students," he adds.
Quebec-based Boviteq, which specializes in cattle reproductive technology, works with the AGC to improve its in vitro fertilization platform.
"The AGC's approach, from project co-creation with clients to high-quality laboratory implementation and detailed reporting, represents a level of expertise and collaboration that we had not encountered before," says Dr. Rémi Labrecque, Boviteq's Director Embryo Research.
B.C.-based WestGen, a farmer-owned co-op, has partnered with the AGC on four projects.
"We created new products, improved farm practices and developed genetic tests for pathogens impacting dairy production in Western Canada," says Chris Parry, Chief Executive Officer of WestGen. "The focus of AGC specifically on applied research in agriculture is truly unique for the region."
The AGC has collaborated with Kwikwetlem First Nation to assess water quality and monitor salmon populations.
"Working with the KPU AGC team has allowed for meaningful collaboration," says Francesca Fogliata, Environment and Stewardship Manager at Kwikwetlem First Nation. "This hands-on approach contrasts with previous experiences working with large universities."
B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lana Popham, says innovation is essential for strengthening the province's food security and economy.
"Technology developed in B.C. is helping meet the challenges of climate change and fostering a sustainable food system," says Popham. "KPU's national designation highlights how genomic research can empower B.C. food producers to effectively feed our province and the world."
By 2030, the global agricultural genomics market is expected to grow to around $7-9 billion, as tools like sequencing and DNA-based trait selection become more widely used in breeding and research. The AGC-TAC positions Canada at the forefront of this growth by fostering a resilient, technology-driven agriculture sector through sustained partnerships, innovation, and strategic public investment.
Backgrounder : KPU Applied Genomics Centre - Technology Access Centre
