Living Labs Initiative: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how farmers can access scientific expertise and research funding by hosting collaborative trials on their own land.
The Living Labs Initiative is a collaborative research program that allows farmers to participate in on-farm research by hosting scientific trials directly on their own property. This initiative focuses on bringing scientific expertise directly into the field to drive agricultural innovation through real-world application.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for farmers who are willing to act as active participants in collaborative research. To qualify, you must be prepared to host these research projects on your land, allowing scientists to conduct their studies within a practical, working farm environment.
What you get
Participants in the initiative gain direct access to scientific expertise that can help improve farming practices. Beyond the knowledge shared by researchers, the program provides access to collaborative research funding, which helps support the costs associated with conducting these scientific trials and testing new agricultural methods.
What it costs you
While there is no mention of a direct application fee, the primary cost to you is the commitment of your time and space. You must be willing to host research trials on your property, which involves dedicating parts of your land to these scientific experiments and working alongside researchers.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand before joining is the requirement for a long-term commitment. Because these are scientific studies, you will be expected to engage in consistent, ongoing data collection to ensure the research is accurate and useful for the broader agricultural community.
How to apply
- Determine if your farm is suitable for hosting on-farm research trials.
- Prepare to work closely with scientists and participate in data collection.
- Review the current scientific and innovation goals for the program.
- Visit the official portal for more information: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/science/agricultural-science-and-innovation/living-labs