The first three Organic Science Clusters (OSCs) – OSC1 (2009–2013), OSC2 (2013–2018) and OSC3 (2018–2023) – have collectively invested $31.4 million in 92 research activities. The research has addressed cross-cutting priorities such as pest and disease management, environmental performance, soil health and farm profitability across a wide range of commodities, spanning primary production through to processing.
Through the Organic Science Clusters Impact Assessment, Dr. Andrew Hammermeister, in collaboration with Margaret Graves and others, is examining the long-term impacts of the OSC program to better understand how research investments have contributed to innovation and growth across Canada’s diverse organic sector.
Research Objectives
- Part 1: Assess the overall impacts of the three Organic Science Clusters through a comprehensive qualitative evaluation of achievements. Select at least three success stories as case studies for further analysis.
- Part 2: Quantify the impacts of the selected case studies by conducting a cost-benefit analysis and evaluating their economic, environmental and social outcomes.
Progress and Results
Research Update (March 2026)
KEY TAKEAWAYS (Part 1: Overall Impacts)
- The first three OSCs engaged a broad network including 250 scientists, 180 industry partners, 133 graduate students, and 57 AAFC and non-AAFC research institutions across Canada. Hundreds of farmers contributed cash, data, land and time.
- By early 2026:
- 91% of OSC projects had impact on the advancement of science and research, contributing to future on-farm impact.
- 51% of projects had on-farm adoption.
- 32% of projects had detectable on-farm impact.
- The value of adopting OSC practices was estimated across several case studies. Examples include $43 million from implementation of new container growing systems in organic greenhouses and $1 million from development of a biorefining extraction process for organic nutraceuticals.
Additional Links and Resources
Impact Framework (Emmanuella Ellis, Margaret Graves and Andrew Hammermeister, 2022)
Background Information
From AAFC Impact Assessment Guidelines:
The AgriScience program has been mandated by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada to assess how the funding provided to clusters over the past three frameworks has contributed to the advancement of their respective sectors. The impact assessment activity is intended to give a better understanding of the long-term results from investments made by the program in order to assess the relevance and benefits of the cluster model, and to help guide program design under future frameworks. Data gathered from this exercise will be used to inform program level decisions, including renewal of Program funding under future frameworks.
Contributing Partners
Meet the Research Team
Dr. Andrew Hammermeister
Dr. Andrew Hammermeister has been the Science Director for the Organic Science Cluster program since its inception in 2009. He is also the Director of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Andrew has been a voting member of the national organic standards review committee and sits several other organic sector committees both nationally and internationally.
Activity 3 Research Team
Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
Margaret Graves | Independent Consultant |
