We bring insights, impacts, and clarity to the forefront of decision-making.
Through GIFS’ Innovation Thought Leadership Program, we identify, explore, and address the gaps and opportunities that shape the future of agriculture and food innovation.
By connecting with the value chain and amplifying science, regulation, and real-world application, we ensure that innovation can thrive within clear, predictable frameworks. Our team engages across Canada and globally to inform policies and practices that strengthen productivity, economic competitiveness, and resilience across the agri-food system.
Connecting science, policy, and practice.
GIFS bridges the worlds of science and policy to accelerate innovation. Our unique model, founded by government, industry, and academia enables us to represent the entire value chain. We convene leaders from all three sectors to support innovation that is predictable, science-based, and transparent, guided by credible data and practical insight.
Our role is to simplify complexity; turning technical research into actionable recommendations that inform regulation, investment, and innovation. The result is a stronger, more coordinated innovation ecosystem — one that benefits producers, consumers, and all stakeholders.
Turning knowledge into action.
GIFS’ Innovation Thought Leadership program targets three key areas where insight can make the greatest impact:
The innovation gap
We identify barriers between research and commercialization, helping partners bridge the divide and accelerate adoption of new technologies.
The productivity gap
We explore strategies to increase agricultural productivity, resilience, competitiveness, and economic performance through innovation-driven growth.
Sustainability
We advance the understanding and adoption of sustainable practices that strengthen soil health, reduce emissions, and promote long-term global food security.
Collaboration that drives clarity.
We don’t just participate in the conversation — we help shape it. We don’t just talk about innovation — we do it.
Through our integrated approach, GIFS:
- Facilitates dialogue across public, private, and academic sectors to identify opportunities and align goals.
- Produces accessible, evidence-based insights that inform innovation, investment, and policy decisions.
- Convenes roundtables and forums that bring together thought leaders to address emerging challenges and advance shared priorities.
Whether informing national policy or contributing to global food dialogues, we turn expertise into influence and insight into action.
Dr. Steven Webb (PhD), GIFS CEO, presented the GIFS-commissioned carbon life cycle analysis of Canadian field crops at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
From Canada to the world stage.
Rooted in one of the world’s most advanced agri-science ecosystems, GIFS represents Canadian innovation in global discussions about agriculture and food, technology, and sustainability.
We collaborate with organizations nationally and internationally. Our work amplifies the voice of science and demonstrates how innovation can drive equitable, resilient food systems worldwide.
Evidence that empowers change.
GIFS ensures that research doesn’t stop at discovery; it shapes the policies, frameworks, and investments that enable innovation to scale responsibly.
By championing a science-based, globally aligned approach to advancing agriculture and food, we’re helping Canada — and the world — build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable food systems.
Partnerships and Memberships
GIFS is contributing to the following national initiatives:
Carbon Life Cycle Analysis
GIFS commissioned studies in 2022 to examine the carbon footprint of agricultural production in Saskatchewan, Western Canada, and Canada, and has compared those results to some of our closest competitors across the world. The results shed light on the agriculture sector’s contributions to sustainability and can help inform the development of science-based policy and regulations.
Contact Us
Serving as agriculture’s innovation catalyst, GIFS is connecting the agri-food ecosystem, advancing innovation, and bridging the gap to commercialization to deliver resilient and sustainable food security for all stakeholders.