From Guelph to the Globe: How Agricultural Diplomacy is Opening Doors

From Guelph to the Globe: How Agricultural Diplomacy is Opening Doors

The University of Guelph is widely recognized as Canada’s food university, so it’s only fitting that it hosted a global diplomatic event focused on agriculture. On June 9, eight agricultural attachés from around the world came to campus to discuss shared challenges like sustainable food production, climate change, and food security, and to explore how collaboration can move us all forward. 

U of G staff and faculty with the agricultural attachés

What’s surprising isn’t that this event happened here rather that it was the first of its kind for the university. 

It all began with a casual conversation. 

“We had a visit a year ago from a diplomat from the Czech Republic,” said Stuart McCook, former Assistant Vice-President (International). “We were walking down Winegard Walk, and I was explaining the work we do in agriculture. He mentioned that his country’s agricultural attaché would be very interested in what we offer.” 

Stuart connected with John Cranfield, Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and together they envisioned something bigger: a full-day event not just for one diplomat, but for agricultural attachés representing multiple countries with shared global interests. 

“It was the first time we stepped back and said there’s a whole sector of people who are critical to building bridges between universities and governments around the world,” Stuart said. 

With support from the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the team reached out to international contacts and industry partners. The result was an ambitious and energizing day that included a campus tour, discussions with organizations like the Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Research Innovation Office, and the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, and other local leaders. 

“It was a pleasure to welcome agricultural attachés from around the world to the Ontario Agricultural College and the University of Guelph,” John Cranfield, dean of OAC, said. “These visits are a powerful reminder that the challenges we face in agriculture today such as sustainability, food security, climate resilience are global, and so are the solutions. OAC is proud to serve as a hub for international collaboration, research, and innovation that supports producers, policymakers, and partners across borders.” 

Attachés came from France, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, the UK, and the U.S., with additional interest from Brazil, Japan and Australia who were unfortunately unable to attend. 

“The University of Guelph has always been globally engaged,” Stuart said. “But events like this give us new channels and connections to international research agencies, funding opportunities, and business partnerships. They lead to shared learning, trust, and long-term collaboration.” 

One of the most successful parts of the day was the speed networking event, where each diplomat had 10-minute meetings with key industry partners. This format allowed attendees to make fast, meaningful connections around shared themes. 

“Academic and research talent is distributed globally,” Stuart said. “By building these relationships, we become a conduit for that talent to come here. Countries like the Philippines aren’t small players, they’re major global actors. When we connect with their ministries and universities, we’re inviting the world’s talent onto our campus.” 

For OAC and the broader university, this wasn’t just a one-off success; it was the beginning of a more strategic approach to international engagement. 

“Strategic internationalization is about building sustained relationships,” Stuart said. “This kind of diplomacy creates the trust and infrastructure for long-term partnerships.” 

Beyond campus impact, Stuart emphasized the broader value for the province. As global challenges intensify, Guelph’s leadership in food, agriculture, and sustainability makes it a natural partner for international collaboration. 

“We always say we serve the people of Ontario. But maybe we can be more ambitious about what that means such as bringing the world to Ontario, and taking Ontario to the world,” he said. “We benefit from engagement, not isolation. The university has a role to play in modeling that.”