A new memorandum of understanding signed between MacEwan University and the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation builds on their existing collaboration and a shared commitment to Alberta’s future.
MacEwan and the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) have enjoyed a working relationship for over a decade. MacEwan’s relationship with AFSC began with work-integrated learning opportunities before evolving into research collaborations, and a few MacEwan graduates have also started their careers with the AFSC.
“I am pleased that we have reached this agreement with the AFSC,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, MacEwan’s president and vice-chancellor. “Whether it’s in the classroom or coming together to explore research opportunities, I know that the university will continue to grow along with the corporation. MacEwan students are helping farmers and agribusinesses manage their risk and grow. It’s a wonderful example of how our downtown university is making a difference far beyond what people may expect.”
Recent research in collaboration with AFSC has involved MacEwan faculty using economic and predictive analyses to study risk modelling for agricultural insurance and AI-driven soil nutrient risk mapping and yield prediction.
Commitments in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) will further enhance this relationship, creating more opportunities for AFSC to be guest lecturers and developing more work-integrated learning experiences.
“AFSC sees the strategic partnership with MacEwan growing to include further joint research opportunities, continuing to challenge students with real-world problems and furthering our position as an employer of choice for MacEwan grads,” said Mark Prefontaine, chief strategy and innovation officer with AFSC. “AFSC’s purpose is ‘Working together, we grow and sustain the agriculture industry in Alberta.’ As such, the entire team at AFSC works to ensure we can provide risk management tools and capital to the agriculture sector.”
This MOU is the latest in a series of agreements MacEwan has signed with prominent organizations in the greater Edmonton region including the Oilers Entertainment Group, the Edmonton Elks football team, the Edmonton International Airport, Edmonton Public Library, Boyle Street Community Services and the Ukrainian Foundation for College Education.