Controversies in Agriculture
Opening up the conversation around food.
Understanding the Biggest Questions in Ag
As part of our Ag Literacy Program, The Simpson Centre is developing informational resources on widely debated topics (aka controversies) within the Canadian agri-food system. Whether you are a consumer, a policymaker, or simply curious about where your food comes from, these resources provide the context and clarity needed to understand agriculture's most pressing debates. Our goal is to foster informed dialogue and critical thinking about our agri-food system and the future of Canadian food production.
Mapping the Layers of Debate
One way we are achieving this goal is through an approach known as Controversy Mapping (CM). CM is a methodology that unpacks and maps the multiple layers of a controversy, including the stakeholders involved, their competing claims, the scientific evidence, and the underlying values at play. The result is a Controversy Atlas: an interactive website that clearly presents the perspectives and context surrounding each issue. These digital atlases serve as approachable, neutral resources that allow people to explore complex topics at their own pace, drilling down into the aspects that matter most to them.
When Canadians lack agricultural literacy:
Policy fails – Policymakers enact regulations that undermine both farmers and consumers.
Trust erodes – Misinformation outpaces facts, driving unfounded fear around safe food.
Economic potential is lost – Knowledge gaps fuel trade barriers and squander opportunities in Canada's $149 billion agri-food sector.
Innovation is blocked – Public opposition to proven technologies stalls critical advances in sustainability and food security.