Grant: Cat. Grant: Partnering for Impact - Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to human and animal health, with serious implications for public health systems and global health security. In Canada, most antimicrobials are used in agriculture, yet efforts to reduce their use on farms are often disconnected from the realities of farming communities. This project brings together researchers, farmers, veterinarians, and agricultural organizations to build partnerships and co-create solutions for more sustainable antimicrobial use. By focusing on Ontario's diverse farming sector, the team will explore how farmers make decisions about antibiotics and vaccines, what challenges they face, and what matters most to them when considering alternatives. Through workshops, interviews, and a pilot decision-making exercise, the project will identify shared priorities and generate early data to inform future research and policy. The approach emphasizes equity, inclusion, and mutual learning, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by AMR are central to the development of practical and acceptable solutions. By integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, the project supports a One Health approach to AMR and contributes to Canada's pandemic preparedness and global health leadership. The insights gained will help shape future interventions that promote animal welfare, ecological resilience, and healthier communities - both locally and globally.