Hot topics in food and farming in Ontario, Canada and beyond. We draw on stories in Canada's agri-food community, research at University of Guelph, and global perspectives. The show celebrates the people, businesses, ideas, and research that shape the food we eat. Broadcast on radio Thursdays at 10 am on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, streaming live on www.cfru.ca, or on podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and many other platforms. Produced by Paul Smith.
Who is helping farmers navigate the future of agriculture?
From climate change and food security to new technologiesand changing markets, farmers face increasingly complex challenges.
On this episode of FoodFarmTalk on CFRU 93.3 FM, we discuss“The Importance of Agricultural Extension Officers in Modern Agriculture.”
🎙️ Our Speakers:
👨🏾🎓 Andrew Lonta —Graduate Student, University of Guelph
🎙️ Isaac Quansah — Host, FoodFarmTalk
🎙️ Paul Smith — Co-host, FoodFarmTalk
We explore:
🌾 How extension officers support farmers
📱 The role of technology and innovation
🌍 Climate change adaptation
🥗 Food security and sustainable agriculture
👩🏾🌾 Supporting farmers andrural communities
👨🏾🌾 Encouraging youngpeople to enter agriculture
🚜 The future of agricultural extension
Agricultural extension is about more than transferringknowledge it is about empowering farmers to make informed decisions and buildresilient, productive communities.
26 Aug 2026
Agriculture in Ghana as Compared to Ontario, Canada
What does it mean to be a farmer in Ghana compared with Ontario, Canada? In this episode of Food Farm Talk on CFRU 93.3 FM, Isaac Quansah sits down with Paul Smith for an engaging discussion exploring the similarities and differences between agricultural systems in Ghana and Ontario.We discuss who farmers are, how people enter farming, farming methods and technologies, major crops and livestock, government and NGO support, and the key challenges farmers face in both contexts.From Ghana's predominantly smallholder farming systems and reliance on rainfall to Ontario's highly mechanized and technology-driven agriculture, the conversation highlights how farmers in different parts of the world respond to issues such as access to land, finance, climate change, markets, technology, and succession.Tune in for a conversation about farming, food systems, innovation, and the future of agriculture in Ghana and Ontario.
14 Aug 2026
The Future of Agricultural Knowledge Sharing with Ataharul Chowdhury
Ataharul Chowdhury joins Isaac Quansah and Paul Smith to talk about the future of agricultural knowledge sharing through extension and advisory services. Dr. Chowdhury is Associate Professor of Capacity Development and Extension and Program Graduate Coordinator in the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph.
Ataharul grew up on a family farm in Bangladesh, and also had opportunities to live, study and work in different countries. He developed a passionate interest in food, agriculture and the environment, and the roles these play in the well-being of communities. Ataharul joined the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, and brings more than a decade of teaching and research experience at universities, non-profits and private foundations in the Caribbean, Canada, Austria, and South Asia. He has collaborated with many leading international partners to help build more sustainable agriculture and rural development in remote and resource-poor communities around the world.
More information:
https://www.uoguelph.ca/sedrd/people/ataharul-chowdhury
https://theconversation.com/canadas-new-food-security-strategy-invests-in-technology-but-overlooks-the-people-who-help-farmers-use-it-286812
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