GIFS Connect
A quarterly newsletter from the Global Institute for Food Security
The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) works with partners to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food. 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.
In this Issue:
Dear Partners and Stakeholders,
On behalf of our team at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), I’m excited to reach out with some updates on the advancement of our programs and technical services.
I also want to take a moment to recognize our many partners and stakeholders, and everyone making plans for the busy months ahead. We wish everyone a safe and successful seeding season.
Over the last few months, we’ve enjoyed connecting with many of you. In late March, we were also excited to meet with Members of the Legislative Assembly in Saskatchewan at a reception in Regina. The Government of Saskatchewan is one of GIFS’ founding partners and we are grateful for the continued support of our mission.
Since our last newsletter, there have been several exciting announcements here at GIFS, including:
PacBio Certified Service Provider and Upcoming Seminar
On May 1, we’ll celebrate this accomplishment and explore applications for PacBio long-read sequencing at our latest hybrid seminar.
New ISAP Chair
Nancy recently attended the Canadian Genomics Summit hosted by Genome Canada as a representative of GIFS and we are grateful for her continued leadership.
GIFS Leadership Honoured
Several members of GIFS’ Board and Advisory Panels have been recognized at the provincial and national level.
Congratulations to Alanna Koch, Dr. Lorne A. Babiuk (PhD), Dr. Baljit Singh (PhD), Todd Klink, and Dr. Nancy Tout for receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Dr. Kee Jim, a member of GIFS’ Grower Advisory Panel, was also a recent inductee into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.
I was honoured to receive a King Charles III Coronation Medal myself. This humbling distinction is a testament to the accomplishments of our whole team here at GIFS. Together, we have transformed the institute and expanded our reach to catalyze innovation through new business models that enable the delivery of new products and services for the agriculture and food sector here in Canada and globally.
You’ll see more highlights of the capabilities and capacities we’ve established throughout the newsletter below. As always, if you have any questions about GIFS, please reach out to our team at [email protected].
— Dr. Steven R. Webb, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Institute for Food Security
GIFS at USask becomes Canada’s first Revio PacBio Certified Service Provider
GIFS has joined an elite group of global service providers that offer researchers access to specialized equipment and scientific expertise in genetic sequencing.
GIFS Hosts Members of the Legislative Assembly
At a recent reception with Saskatchewan MLAs and other stakeholders, GIFS leadership discussed the innovative teams and technologies the institute is bringing to partners.
GIFS CEO Receives King Charles III Coronation Medal
GIFS CEO Steven Webb is a recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or a Canadian province.
Protein Industries Canada-Supported Project Developing AI Solution to Detect Herbicide-Resistant Weeds
Data Management and Analytics at GIFS
Get data faster: GIFS at USask introduces AVITI short-read sequencing services
GIFS is now providing short-read sequencing services utilizing the AVITI sequencer from Element Biosciences. Utilizing AVITI, GIFS’ team delivers cost-effective, highly accurate data — supported by automated bioinformatics and visualizations pipelines — with faster turnaround times.
CAPI's Agri-Food Risk Report Calls for a Shift from Optimism to Realism in Canadian Agri-Food Policy
In an increasingly complex and changing world, the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector needs a plan to mitigate risks.
Maintaining the status quo may seem like a reasonable option, but the sector can no longer rely on dated policy frameworks that leave it unprepared in the face of challenges. It’s time to move from optimism to realism, according to a publication by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).
Phase 2 of the Agri-Food Risk Report, developed by CAPI with support from GIFS, provides a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
While it has long been characterized by resilience and optimism, the report underscores an urgent need for realism and strategic action to secure the sector’s future.
Is Canadian Agriculture Ready to Manage and Mitigate Risk?
Following the release of CAPI’s most recent Agri-Food Risk Report update, GIFS CEO Steven Webb participated in a webinar with other sector leaders examining whether Canadian agriculture is ready to manage and mitigate the risks facing the sector.
During the program, Webb discussed the strength of Canada’s agri-food and innovation ecosystem and how those in the sector can work together to advance sustainable and resilient agricultural production.
Reimagining Canada’s Agri-Food Investments: How to Deliver a Sustainable Economy
“Canada needs a national strategy on innovation, executed through a strong, cohesive network. Partnerships are key for a successful strategy, and it is important to have effective partnerships that align diverse interests with identified national goals,” writes Webb.
Innovation is Key to the Future of Agriculture
“Sustainable practices are really nothing new to Saskatchewan,” writes Bill Greuel, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and a member of GIFS’ Board of Directors, in a recent editorial about agri-food innovation in Saskatchewan.
Food Innovation in Canada Report
Ag Research Sector has Productivity Problem, say Panelists
Sowing Sustainable Solutions, Reaping Economic Growth through Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Research
Navigating Transitions in Career, Family and the Farm
Discover Canada’s Agricultural Heavyweight: Saskatchewan
Việt Nam a key market in Saskatchewan’s global trade strategy
Engineering Biology at GIFS
Seminar: Advancing Discovery with HiFi Sequencing
Explore long-read sequencing with GIFS, Canada’s first Revio PacBio Certified Service Provider, at our latest hybrid seminar on May 1.
Recent Events
Canadian Genomics Summit
Nancy Tout, Chair of GIFS International Scientific Advisory Panel, participated in the Canadian Genomics Summit, hosted by Genome Canada, in February. At the event, Tout contributed to a panel that celebrated impactful research collaborations and explored new opportunities to advance innovation.
Sustainable Saskatchewan Agriculture
Connecting Farmers with Innovation: SaskTel Smart AG Event at Canada’s Farm Show
GIFS CEO Steven Webb joined Canada’s Farm Show for a conversation with SaskTel about innovation in Canadian agriculture. At the show, Webb discussed the FCC Accelerated Breeding Program at GIFS and the technologies that are enabling exciting partnerships to drive innovation and enhance agricultural productivity.
Made in Canada: New Strategies for Strengthening the Canadian Bioeconomy
Saskatchewan Ag Summit 2025
GIFS CEO Steven Webb participated in the Saskatchewan Ag Summit 2025, where he discussed the GIFS-commissioned carbon life cycle analyses of Canadian field crops and how innovation and sustainability can be Canada’s competitive advantage in cultivating new markets.
Western Canada Economic Forum
GIFS at PAG
Several team members from GIFS attended the Plant and Animal Genome Conference. As the largest ag-genomics meeting in the world, the event is a significant opportunity to engage with researchers and organizations who are collaborating to enhance sustainable agricultural production and food security.