The Social Implications of Agri-Genomics
The Social Implications of Agri-Genomics: Ensuring a Just Transition to Climate-Resilient Agricultural and Food Systems in Canada research project brings together researchers from diverse fields to critically examine the social, cultural, and environmental impacts—both positive and negative—of emerging agricultural technologies like cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and vertical agriculture.
The University of the Fraser Valley is the lead organization on this four-year $2.5 million dollar project funded by Genome BC and Genome Canada. With the Food and Agriculture Institute leading the development of a participatory "Toolkit" for a just transition through agri-genomics across four key climate intervention areas.
“These technologies are already being developed and deployed, and our purpose is to shine a light on all implications of them, both positive and negative. As they develop and grow, we want to make sure it’s done equitably for everyone, so no one gets left behind, including traditional farmers.”
- Dr. Stefania Pizzirani, Project Co-lead
Project Outcomes
Publications:
Attrée, E., Newell, R., & Glaros, A. (2025). Intersection of agri-genomics and agriculture 5.0 technologies: Role for life cycle assessment. Transdisciplinary Research on Integrated Approaches to Sustainability (TRIAS) lab. Royal Roads University. http://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.35387.53282
Eccles, S., McIntyre, A., Mukiri, J., & Glaros A. Land, Food, and Work in Conversations with Cellular Agriculture. (2025, October). [Poster presentation] Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley.
Grajales Veerkamp, C., Vakhshoori, V., Newell, R., & Glaros, A. (2026). Farming futures: User feedback on the use of models and spatial tools for supporting climate change adaptation in agriculture. Transdisciplinary Research on Integrated Approaches to Sustainability (TRIAS) lab, Royal Roads University, & Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.18866.88001
Motisca, S., Newell, R., & Glaros, A. (2026). Diversifying urban agriculture assets: How municipal policies encourage or deter the development and adoption of agritech solutions. Transdisciplinary Research on Integrated Approaches to Sustainability (TRIAS) lab, Royal Roads University, & Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14153.20325
Vakhshoori, S. V., Glaros, A., Newell, R. (2025). Farming futures in a changing climate: Spatial shifts in agricultural suitability across British Columbia under multiple climate change scenarios. Transdisciplinary Research on Integrated Approaches to Sustainability (TRIAS) lab, Royal Roads University, & Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley. http://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17536.55040
Vakhshoori, V., Newell, R., & Glaros, A.(2026). Future agricultural suitability models as tools for climate change adaptation in British Columbia: Insights from a stakeholder focus group. Transdisciplinary Research on Integrated Approaches to Sustainability (TRIAS) lab, Royal Roads University, & Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.22274.75205
News and Media:
UFV Today 'UFV's Food and Agriculture Institute launching four-year study of agriculture technologies' - November 26, 2024
Genome Canada. (2025, April 29). Stefania Pizzirani (Just Transitions) [Video]. YouTube.
Project Collaborators
This project is funded by Genome BC and Genome Canada through their Interdisciplinary Challenge Teams, a key component of the new Climate Action Genomics Initiative.
