Research Mobilization
ACARN helps translate climate action research into practical tools for agriculture in British Columbia. We work with researchers to create clear, accessible resources—like research briefs and decision tools—that help farmers, ranchers, and policy-makers apply knowledge on the ground. These tools support climate adaptation, mitigation, and long-term resilience in BC’s food systems.
Explore the resources below to see how research is being mobilized into action.
BC Food Web
BC Food Web is ACARN’s open-access platform for sharing climate and agriculture research in British Columbia. The site offers research briefs, decision tools, webinars, and curated resources for producers, processors, policy-makers, and the public. It’s regularly updated to ensure timely, relevant knowledge that supports sustainable and resilient food systems.
BC Food Web Research Briefs
- Research Brief: Improving highbush blueberry nitrogen management with nitrification inhibitors
🫐 Can we boost blueberry nitrogen uptake? A recent study in BC tested nitrification inhibitors, which help slow down the process of turning ammonium (the type of nitrogen blueberries like) into nitrate. The results showed that while the inhibitor did slow that process, the effect on blueberry yield and soil nitrogen levels changed from year to year. - Research Brief: Economic and environmental benefits of reducing nitrogen fertilization in potato fields
🥔 This study evaluated the economic and environmental tradeoffs of three nitrogen application rates (0, 90, and 120 kg N per hectare) in potato production. Research in BC’s Fraser Valley examined the economic and environmental trade-offs of different nitrogen fertilization rates in potato fields. Researchers found that high application rates (120 kg N/ha) were not worth the costs – yields and revenue did not increase enough to justify the added input, and excess nitrogen led to higher nitrous oxide emissions. - Research Brief: Fighting grapevine root diseases with brassica cover crops
🍇 Fungal diseases and nematodes can pose significant challenges to wine grape growers in BC. To address this challenge, researchers in Kelowna evaluated the role cover crops can play in fighting fungal diseases and parasitic nematodes in vineyards. They tested out four brassica species: white mustard, tillage radish, shepherd’s purse, and rockcress. Some brassica species have a special ability to suppress the growth of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, weeds, and insect pests through chemicals that they naturally produce!
AgResilience Podcast
The AgResilience podcast features conversations with researchers and agricultural leaders across BC. Each episode explores how climate research can better support farmers and food producers. With practical insights and bold ideas, the podcast helps bridge the gap between research and real-world agricultural resilience.
Stream or download episodes for free on your favourite podcast platform.
