Dr. Vivian Valencia of Bishop's University's Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) program is appointed Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action (SACA) Research Chair. Her role involves establishing a "Lighthouse Network," a collection of innovative and inspiring examples within agrifood systems. This initiative is proudly supported by TD Bank Group, through its corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment.
Dr. Valencia is dedicated to tackling the pressing challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Her research primarily revolves around identifying and analyzing exceptional success stories referred to as "lighthouses." These are remarkable instances that introduce ground-breaking alternatives to conventional food and farming systems.
Through in-depth analysis of these outstanding cases, Dr. Valencia aims to uncover the key factors contributing to their success. Her objective is to formulate strategies that can amplify their positive impacts. By spotlighting these pockets of exceptional innovation and progress, her intention is to also create optimistic narratives for the future. This approach seeks to inspire constructive actions aimed at establishing resilient and sustainable food systems in Quebec and beyond.
The SACA Research Chair will investigate sustainable land use practices that both foster ecological health and support the agricultural sector as it transitions to a low-carbon economy. By generating knowledge and educating students, farmers and the general public, the Research Chair will actively contribute to the culture change needed to meet these sustainability objectives.
"The SAFS program is unique and exciting because it places a strong focus on improving the sustainability of all aspects of agriculture and food systems, encompassing the social, economic and environmental aspects of the entire system," explains Dr. Valencia. As part of SAFS, she created her first course on food systems, AGR11: Lighthouse Farms for Sustainable Futures, which ran last Winter session 2023.
"TD Bank Group is proud to support the TD Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action Research Chair at Bishop's University. By supporting innovative projects that promote sustainable agriculture and a transition to a low-carbon economy, we aim to actively contribute to a future where the customers and communities we serve can grow and thrive", says Sylvie Demers, Chair, Quebec Market, TD Bank Group.
"Dr Valencia's innovative approach to research has great potential to transform the Quebec agricultural landscape towards more sustainable and climate - resistant practices. She acknowledges and builds upon the creative ideas of Quebec farmers, thereby including them in the research initiative. This crowd sourcing approach generates more ideas and increases the efficiency of implementing successful approaches back into the community". - Dr. Matthew Peros, Dean of Social Sciences at Bishop's University.
The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) program recently began offering majors, minors, certificates, and tailor-made master's degrees (). The creation of this new Research Chair highlights Bishop's commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence for the SAFS program.
TD, as the Founding Supporter of the SACA Research Chair, committed $500,000 to Bishop's University in 2022, in support of the Chair and the educational farm.
The SACA Research Chair in SAFS will collaborate with local farmers, community organizations, policymakers, and financial planners to perform research in the Eastern Townships and on the Educational Farm. This collaboration will lead to innovative practices that are suited to Quebec's unique growing conditions and culture. The Chair will also disseminate research findings through various channels, including academic publications, media interviews, social media, public presentations, meetings with farmer groups, and guest lectures in schools.
The funds for the Educational Farm will be used to further its growth, including a tree orchard plantation, a small fruit plantation, a nut tree plantation, and supplementary studies and on-site support.
