A new smart agriculture project in the Delta is helping to strengthen food security for British Columbians, while two new training programs will ensure more people have the skills needed to succeed in the growing agritech sector.

“With a changing and uncertain climate in the United States, it is imperative that two of British Columbia’s greatest strengths, technology and agriculture, come together so that British Columbians can rely on healthy, home-grown food,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Through our Look West plan, we’re connecting innovators with industry partners to turn ideas made in BC into real-world solutions, creating jobs and moving our economy forward into a sustainable future.”

With support from the BC Center for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), Delta-based Windset Farms is developing a new smart farming system that automates decision-making with sensors that monitor plant stress and efficient greenhouse crop management.

Using advanced data analytics and machine learning, the project aims to improve Windset’s production systems by optimizing climate control, nutrient uptake and early disease detection in hydroponic tomatoes.

“This partnership helps us develop advanced smart farming systems that improve real-time greenhouse monitoring, optimize climate and nutrient management, and detect potential plant diseases earlier,” said Tony Kalf, Chief Technology Officer of Windset Farms. “These innovations allow us to make a significant impact through job creation, new business opportunities, and ensuring the security and stability of BC’s food supply. By optimizing the growing environment, we can create efficiencies by reducing resource use, thereby consistently growing high-quality produce year-round.”

The project is progressing in collaboration with Simon Fraser University (SFU) in the Netherlands, Koidra, Vivent and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). It grew out of a 2023 letter of intent from SFU and WUR to collaborate on future research programs and address the challenges of agricultural sustainability, such as food production and climate change.

Training to grow more resistant crops
Through Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), a new training program is being developed to support the need to adopt more drought-resistant crop production systems. The program will train participants in dry farming, a method that uses specific agroecological measures to cultivate crops with zero or very little additional water. The program is a collaboration between the Regional Extension Program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, local growers and industry groups.

“With BCCAI’s support, along with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, we are able to implement dryland collaborative agriculture expansion, applied research and demonstration projects on the three farms,” ​​said Kent Mullinix, director of KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems. “We are engaging dozens of farmers, professionals and students in soil health, agroecology, soil and weather data collection, and advancing drought-resistant agriculture.”

Training to remove weeds, improve fruit and vegetable production
In addition, a new training opportunity developed by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is showcasing new robotic removal technology. Weeds are a significant challenge for fruit and vegetable growers in BC and elsewhere, affecting productivity by competing for valuable resources such as moisture, nutrients and sunlight. This project demonstrates and trains farmers and students in robotic weeding technologies to reduce labor reliance, minimize herbicide use, and improve sustainability through effective resource management.

“Partnering with BCCAI provides new opportunities for students to explore current agricultural issues and the skills and job opportunities available in agricultural robotics, such as the robotic weeder demonstration,” said Renee Prasad, department head, associate professor, agricultural technology, UFV. “BCCAI plays an important role in supporting open dialogue by bringing technology and producers, current and future, together.”

Fostering a strong future in agricultural technology
The three new projects and training programs represent an investment of approximately $658,000, $280,000 from BCCAI, $204,000 from industry and $174,000 worth of industry contributions.

These projects are examples of how BC is supporting the agritech sector, enabling companies to commercialize their technologies and create cleaner, more resilient and productive agriculture, food and seafood industries.

The new project and training opportunities are expected to provide advanced training to more than 350 people in areas such as horticulture, regenerative agriculture, data management and agribusiness management, creating three new jobs and increasing business opportunities through commercialization.

“Technology developed by BC is helping our farmers increase production and making our food supply more resilient to climate change,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham. “Using the latest technology to monitor plant growth and health, as well as maximize water and nutrient efficiency, results in more sustainable growing, local food production for BC families and a better bottom line for farmers.”

© British Columbia Government News

This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines BC’s vision for providing jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent economy. Pacific Economic Development Canada’s (PacifiCan) investment in BCCAI is boosting domestic innovation and driving BC business growth, key steps in building a strong Canadian economy.

Look West focuses on delivering large projects faster, diversifying markets and targeting growth sectors such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.

Gregor Robertson, Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada said, “PacifiCan’s investments are driving local innovation and helping BC businesses grow. The BC Center for Agritech Innovation is advancing innovative technologies and hands-on training in the agriculture sector, improving food security and building a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy.”

“For technology to have a real impact, it must go hand in hand with workforce training and education. BCCAI is proud to support three new projects that focus on technological innovation and hands-on learning. These initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration to advance sustainable agriculture and food security,” said Rahul Singh, director of the BC Center for Agritech Innovation (hosted at SFU).

Source: British Columbia Government News