November 06, 2025
Edmonton, AB – RDAR, a leader in results-driven agricultural research in Canada, has partnered with Genome Alberta and Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) to support the development and launch of an important new platform, the Agriculture Metadata Commons (AMC) – a transformative new database designed to improve access to agricultural research metadata across Canada. RDAR is investing $213,000 in the initiative.
Alberta’s agriculture sector, which generated $23 billion in farm cash receipts in 2024, is a cornerstone of the provincial economy and a magnet for innovation funding. Genomics is the big data science that helps us understand DNA – the code of life. With advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence we are beginning to unlock a whole other level of insight from large data sets. However, a challenge we face is, research data often remains siloed, limiting visibility, collaboration, and efficiency across the sector.
The AMC addresses this challenge by cataloging metadata—information about soils, crops and livestock data—rather than the data itself. This approach will:
• Increase awareness of existing research projects and datasets
• Improve collaboration among researchers and funders
• Reduce duplication of efforts
• Enable more strategic, outcome-driven investments in new research areas
The Agriculture Metadata Commons (AMC) will be built upon the established framework of Genome BC’s Health Metadata Commons. By leveraging the success of this existing model, the AMC is specifically tailored to address the distinct requirements of the agricultural sector enab
ling greater value generation from publicly available data while respecting data ownership. This adaptation ensures that the platform is not only robust and reliable but also highly relevant to the agricultural community it serves.
The Honorable RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, stated: “This announcement speaks to the growing importance of not just investing in agriculture research but investing in the proper data collection and storage for agricultural research. I congratulate all those involved in this partnership that extends beyond our Alberta border, which will benefit Canadian agriculture research which we are proud RDAR is the leader in. Reducing complexity and increasing collaboration make this an important initiative that will bring benefits to our sector for generations.”
Speaking to today’s announcement, Dr. David Bailey, President and CEO, Genome Alberta, commented: “The next wave of innovation in Alberta’s agriculture sector will be powered by data, through unlocking the full potential of AI and machine learning tools. This starts with ensuring high-quality data is discoverable and accessible to drive smarter, more sustainable innovations that strengthen Alberta’s global leadership in agri-food. We are excited to work together with the agriculture research community on this important initiative and to see the new discoveries it will enable.”
Dr. Mark Redmond, CEO, RDAR, said: “Siloed data restricts the potential for collaboration and innovation. The Agriculture Metadata Commons will break down these barriers, enabling a more connected and efficient research ecosystem. RDAR is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for Alberta’s producers.”
Zsuzsanna Hollander, Director, Data Science, Genome BC, said: “Genome BC is proud to collaborate with Genome Alberta and RDAR to extend our health metadata commons framework into agriculture. By working closely with producers and researchers, we can ensure this platform becomes a powerful enabler of collaboration, discovery and innovation across the sector.”
Dr. Kajal Latimer, Director of Science and Technology, Canadian Angus Association, welcomed the initiative: “This is a long overdue and much-needed initiative. At present, Canadian agriculture-agrifood researchers lack a central resource to verify the availability of data points. Because research data is often expensive and difficult to collect, this tool has the potential to reduce costly reinvestment in recollecting existing data and to strengthen experimental designs that might otherwise proceed without critical information. Further, the resulting resource may also open the door to increased collaboration and knowledge-sharing between researchers.”
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About RDAR
RDAR is a not-for-profit organization mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. RDAR’s funding is provided by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For more information, please visit: www.rdar.ca.
About Genome Alberta
Genome Alberta is working towards a better future through genomics innovation. Our mission is to promote and support genomics solutions to create value and investment opportunities through excellent science, technology and application development, collaborations, and partnerships. We work on priority areas in health, agriculture, environment & energy, and forestry, driving growth across sectors while helping to develop Alberta’s next generation of talented innovators. For more information on Genome Alberta, please visit www.genomealberta.ca.
About Genome BC
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. www.genomebc.ca.
