CIFST launches new research cluster in food sustainability

The Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) receives a significant investment from the federal government for setting up a new Food Sustainability and Resilience Cluster.

This research cluster is funded through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) – AgriScience Program – Clusters Component and industry partners.

With a federal investment of up to $3.8 million and industry investment of $3.1 million over five years, this initiative will drive forward nine projects in partnership with public research institutions nationwide.

The Food Sustainability and Resilience Cluster aims to foster collaboration in three areas: energy reduction and efficiency, innovative production technologies, and sustainable practices.

“Through this project, the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology will lead important research focused on reducing food waste, strengthening our food systems, and making the sector more sustainable. By advancing food science and technology, we’re helping the sector find new and innovative ways to keep feeding Canadians, and the world,” said Lawrence MacAulay, agriculture and agri-food minister.

“CIFST is immensely proud to be the driving force behind the Food Sustainability and Resilience Cluster over the next few years,” said Dr. Yvonne Yuan, president, CIFST. “We believe that the nine cluster activities, alongside CIFST’s programmatic initiatives, will significantly elevate the role of food science within Canada’s food system.”