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For technology to deliver real impact, it must go hand in hand with training and upskilling the workforce

Published

5 months ago

January 20, 2026

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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.”

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

Related Topics:deliver hand impact Real technology Training upskilling workforce

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cbdMD welcomes White House call for fair treatment of hemp-derived products

Published

24 hours ago

June 29, 2026

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cbdMD welcomes the Administration’s call for Congress to ensure fair treatment of hemp-derived products under federal law and calls for immediate action to revise hemp regulations to ensure fair treatment of hemp products under federal law.

In a letter to congressional leadership this week, the White House Office of Management and Budget identified hemp reform as a priority strongly supported by the Administration. The petition calls on Congress to ensure fair treatment of hemp-derived products by maintaining access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products, and by maintaining Congress’ intent to reduce products that pose health risks. The administration also urged Congress to pass a responsible federal framework or at least extend the current implementation period to give lawmakers time to get policy right. The request builds on the president’s previous public statements urging lawmakers to protect access to full-spectrum CBD products that millions of Americans rely on.

“We are encouraged to see the administration so clearly championing the responsible, scientific hemp products that consumers depend on every day,” said Ronan Kennedy, CEO of cbdMD. “cbdMD has always believed that the future of this category is built on quality, transparency, and clear rules that separate them from bad actors. A federal framework that protects consumer access, promotes safety, and provides certainty to companies that provide certainty is what this industry and the people it serves deserve. We applaud the policymakers who are working to achieve this outcome.”

“We believe CbdMD is purpose-built for this next phase of the market,” added Kennedy. “Our focus remains on serving our customers with reliable and effective products, supporting responsible regulation and building long-term value for our shareholders as the category continues to evolve. Along the way, we will continue to evaluate the opportunities this evolving environment holds.”

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Cannabis News

Applications For Missouri Marijuana Microbusiness Licenses Will Open Next Month

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

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“We have a lot of tutorials, and we also provide a step-by-step guide. Anyone could sit down and make the app. I don’t think it’s challenging.”

By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent

Application window win one of Missouri’s 77 micro-business marijuana licenses through a lottery selection it will be open from July 13 to 27.

The selection lottery is scheduled for Sept. 9, and the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation expects to issue licenses in December, according to a press release issued Monday.

Microbusinesses are marijuana facility licenses issued to entities and individuals designed to allow marginalized or underrepresented people to legally participate in the marijuana market.

Lesley Turek, the division’s capital manager, has been traveling the state this month to educate people about the application process.

“I really feel that microenterprise graduates are, first and foremost, a community of people who help each other,” he said. “They’re the ones who are driving this program forward, so I’m looking forward to meeting new people and sharing as much as I can about the program. It’s a great program.”

Much of what is being worked on is the new rules that went into effect at the end of May…In 2024 the proposed cannabis regulators will remove a large number of licences Because of unconstitutional property deals.

The new rules, he said, allow regulators to conduct extensive scrutiny before licensing, rather than after. Furthermore, they give a more in-depth explanation of what it means to “have and operate the majority” of the License, which is a requirement in the Constitution.

Regulators are mandated to communicate directly with majority owners and require applicants to complete a compliance course before applying and after receiving a license.

The microbusiness program was passed by voters in the 2022 constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana.

In Missouri, there are seven categories in which people can qualify for a micro-business license, ranging from lower income or living in an area considered poor, to past arrests or incarcerations related to marijuana offenses.

Applicants pay a $1,500 application fee if not selected. The Missouri Lottery will select 77 license applicants to open dispensaries or cultivation facilities. The goal is to fill the remaining gaps in the minimum 144 micro-business licenses mandated by the Constitution.

Turek believes the application is relatively simple and something people can complete on their own, unlike the much more complicated application for comprehensive licenses.

“We have a lot of tutorials, and we also offer a step-by-step guide,” he said. “Anyone can sit down and do the app. I don’t think it’s a challenge.”

The part that most people often don’t understand is everything that comes with owning a marijuana facility.

“It’s very expensive, it’s very regulated, and so it’s challenging,” he said. “I want to make sure people have a clear understanding beforehand so they can make a good decision whether they want to apply for this program.”

A big part of his presentation was that the majority of the licenses should be owned by and eligible people. They must have more than 50 percent of the authority to direct the decisions made with the license.

“It’s more than a percentage of ownership,” he said. “It’s really about being able to have that control over it.”

It also talks about the designated contact, and why in the new rule the regulators will require that the designated contact be the applicant or the eligible person with the majority of ownership.

The designated liaison role was conceived as a way to ensure clear communication between the state and licensees.

Instead, state regulators discovered it many named contacts have kept real applicants in the dark about business and licensing. Applicants are locked into agreements that limit their voting power and profits in the business.

That’s why the state now requires pre-application training, a three-video online course to ensure applicants understand “potentially predatory practices,” regulators said in response to public comments during the rulemaking process.

The press release It says those who need help with eligibility requirements or application forms can contact the facility’s application services (email protected).

Educational dissemination events for micro-enterprises

Personal forums:
June 22 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Kansas City

Webinars:
June 24 – from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
June 29 – from 18:00 to 20:00

Registration is required for in-person and virtual sessions. Interested participants can register at Microenterprise education. Additional information on the microenterprise program is available here cannabis.mo.gov.

Those requiring assistance with eligibility requirements or application forms may contact Facilities Application Services at (email protected).

This story was first published by the Missouri Independent.

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Cannabis News

RAND estimates Indiana adult-use cannabis could yield $180M in annual revenue

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

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Two new RAND reports commissioned by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation outline the policy options and financial commitments facing Indiana as the state debates whether to change its cannabis laws amid restrictions across the country.

Reports show that 44% of Indiana residents live within 50 miles of a licensed dispensary in a neighboring state, and 96% live within 100 miles, as three of Indiana’s four states have legalized adult-use cannabis. At the same time, intoxicating hemp products containing the same psychoactive compound as marijuana are available at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores throughout Indiana with limited oversight.

Cannabis use in Indiana has doubled in the past decade, with a significant increase among adults 26 and older. RAND estimates that 1.3 million Hoosiers used cannabis in 2024 and spent $1.8 billion on marijuana products that year. Indiana recorded more than 13,000 cannabis-related arrests in 2024, with more than 90% for possession and more than 75% for non-cannabis related charges. The state spends $10 million to $20 million annually on cannabis law enforcement.

Rather than recommending a specific policy, the RAND reports outline four broad options: maintaining prohibition, reducing criminal penalties for possession, legalizing medical cannabis, or legalizing the adult recreational use market. Legalizing adult-use cannabis would generate about $180 million in annual state revenue, roughly 1 percent of the state’s general fund, well below some previous projections and less than half of the $385 million in combined cigarette and alcohol tax revenue Indiana will collect in 2025, according to the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Legalization would also entail significant upfront costs, and ongoing regulatory costs could reach the low tens of millions of dollars annually, outweighing the savings from reduced criminal justice spending. RAND identifies 14 policy considerations important to establishing legal markets, each with its own public health and state economic implications.