A closer look at engineering biology and accelerated breeding

Aug 23, 2023

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) hosted two events on July 19 exploring tools and strategies to advance agri-food research and development.

The hybrid seminars, addressing applications for engineering biology and accelerated breeding, were attended by researchers, scientists and representatives of public and private agri-food organizations within and outside Canada.

“At the Global Institute for Food Security we take pride in being a connector and innovation catalyst within the agri-food sector and events like this are one of the ways we can do just that,” GIFS CEO Steve Webb told attendees.

Both engineering biology and accelerated breeding help researchers increase the speed and scale of their work and bring new innovations to market. They also represent new programs and platforms GIFS is building to serve the agri-food sector.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.