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

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3 months ago

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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.”

© 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

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NC lawmakers revisit marijuana policy following reclassification

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15 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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North Carolina lawmakers say they’re fueling debate over the state’s marijuana laws — a move by the Trump administration to reclassify it as a less dangerous drug.

Across the country, a set of laws and enforcements regulate marijuana. The drug is illegal under federal law, but dozens of US states have legalized it. And almost all states have legalized medical marijuana prescriptions for certain ailments. North Carolina is among the remaining states to resist any form of legalization. Republican politicians in North Carolina have resisted passing any bills to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, despite public opinion polls showing broad public support for such changes.

Senate President Phil Berger said he expects his chamber to revisit efforts to legalize medical marijuana this week. “We will have a conversation within our caucus if they are interested in whether we do something,” Berger told reporters Tuesday.

The recent actions of Republican President Donald Trump may add a new dimension to these conversations. Trump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed the drug classification as a less dangerous and less strictly regulated drug than marijuana. Federal law does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use.

Read more at WRAL News










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Indiana GOP Governor Directs State Agencies To Meet With Medical Marijuana Advocates As Federal Rescheduling Takes Effect

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15 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Indiana state officials are holding a series of meetings with medical marijuana advocates at the behest of the Republican governor.

After a day The Trump administration announced that federal cannabis regulation is moving forwardOfficials from the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and other state agencies spoke with Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis and Indiana NORML to discuss next steps at the state level.

The meetings, activists said, were at the request of Gov. Mike Braun (R).

“The governor has reached out to us to meet with other heads of his department to get their input on this move,” military veteran Jeff Staker, one of the advocates, told Fox 59. “Our next step, hopefully, will be in the governor’s office.”




Lucy Luman, who is also a veteran and serves as president of Indiana NORML, he said That federal reform “addresses major challenges our lawmakers have raised before.”

Advocates previously met with Indiana Secretary of Business Affairs Mike Speedy, they told WHTR-TV.

“It tells you that the governor has considered it well, and I hope that our organization and others will come into the governor’s office and discuss with him and brainstorm more,” Staker. he said. “You have to realize that a lot of our state legislators have been waiting for that to happen.”

“The feds have made their move, and now it’s time for Indiana to make ours,” he said. “And of course we want to do well.”




State Rep. Jim Lucas (R) said federal marijuana rescheduling “takes away the arguments that the opposition had in our state.”

State Sen. Rodney Pol (D) agreed, saying the Trump administration’s action has “helped get the ball rolling.”

last month, The governor said the “crescendo will rise” in the call to legalize marijuanaregional dynamics as well as law enforcement by opting for reform. But for now, he said, the GOP legislative leadership is “not interested in doing anything anytime soon,” even though “half of Hoosiers probably smoke illegally.”

Braun said he thinks lawmakers should take an “extra look” at medical cannabis and, while he’s personally “agnostic” about legalization, the reality is Indiana is “now surrounded by four states” that allow medicinal or adult use of cannabis.

“Probably half of Hoosiers smoke illegally,” he said, noting that suburban Kentucky allows patients to access medical cannabis, while Illinois, Michigan and Ohio have recreational marijuana laws.

“I’m going to listen to law enforcement. They’ve even changed their minds about legalizing and regulating,” Braun said, adding that he compared cannabis to gambling. The state was late to pass laws allowing adults to gamble, he said, but now ranks among the top three states nationally in terms of per capita revenue from vice.

“Some people won’t want to, just on principle. A lot of police and sheriffs in our state are willing to cross the border (to buy cannabis). It’s going to be a growing problem, so far, the way our state legislature has opposed it,” he said. “I’ve been more agnostic about it. I can see the points of view, and I’ve seen law enforcement move somewhat.”

“So that will give you the best description of where the dynamic is in our state,” the governor told WOWO. “I think the leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House in particular are cool — and they control the legislative agenda — they’re not interested in doing anything anytime soon. But I think the crescendo will rise, and that pretty much describes where we are.”

Braun also addressed the issue in another recent interview, saying the state will “probably have to address” the issue and pairing cannabis reform with sports betting.

State legislators already He stated that there is no legalization of marijuana in the 2026 sessionThis is another year where Indiana will be left out as one of the few states without effective medical or adult use cannabis laws.

The governor said this separately in January He “fits in” with the idea of ​​legalizing medical cannabis in the state. Instead, Indiana lawmakers this session have focused on efforts to ban THC hemp products, though The fight for 2026 appears to be over after a last-minute push failed late last month.

Braun has previously said that federal marijuana reorganization He could add “some fire” to the local push to legalize cannabis in his state.

Among Indiana residents, a survey released in January found that nearly three in five supported the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis.

Specifically, Ball State University’s (BSU) Bowen Center’s annual Hoosier Poll found that 59 percent of residents support the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. An additional 25 percent return allowing patients to access medical marijuana, bringing total support for that reform to 84 percent.

—
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Braun, for his part, He previously said it is “probably time” to introduce therapeutic cannabis among state patients. The comments came alongside a separate poll showing that nearly 9 in 10 Indiana adults (87 percent) support the legalization of marijuana.

The main Republicans in the Legislature, however, They have openly opposed marijuana reform.

“It’s no secret that I’m not,” Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R) said at the end of 2024. “I don’t have people coming to me with really compelling medical cases to find out why it’s so beneficial. And any situation I’ve seen, it’s passing medical marijuana, it’s basically passing recreational marijuana.”

House Speaker Todd Huston (R) questioned any medical benefits associated with marijuana, calling the substance a “mental health deterrent.” He and others suggested that lawmakers in favor of reform simply want to increase state revenue.

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Oakland Launches Nation’s First Cannabis Equity Certification Mark

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2 days ago

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April 27, 2026

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In 2017, the city of Oakland made history by becoming the first city in the country to launch a Cannabis Equity Program, which helps those affected by the “War on Drugs” enter the cannabis industry and create thriving local businesses. The program changed policy conversations about cannabis equity in California and across the nation.

Now, in an effort to raise awareness about venture capital and help them survive and thrive, Oakland has launched the nation’s first initiative to promote city-certified venture capital businesses in the cannabis industry. The Oakland Legendary Cannabis Certified Equity Label lets buyers know they support businesses that invest in creating high-quality products by prioritizing equity. The label commemorates the city of Oakland as the birthplace of modern cannabis legalization and highlights its operators as legendary pioneers who define cannabis culture and set standards that are now accepted worldwide. Oakland currently has 50 licensed Equity cannabis businesses.

“Oakland continues to lead with courage and conviction. During my time in Congress, I chaired the Cannabis Caucus and called for cannabis equity programs to address the harm done to Black and Brown communities,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “Today, the Oakland Legendary label puts power back where it belongs, helping consumers make informed choices and ensuring that those with the most influence lead and thrive in today’s economy. Oakland is proud to lead the way!”

“The City of Oakland is committed to fostering the economic success of local venture capital companies,” said Ashleigh Kanat, director of Oakland’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development. “The Oakland Legendary brand lets consumers know they’re supporting a certified Oakland stock business and getting a true Oakland experience: premium, authentic and locally produced with a story they won’t find anywhere else. This differentiation will increase the presence of cannabis products in the market.”

“The Oakland Legendary brand is the gold standard for quality,” says Dale Sky Jones, Executive Chancellor of Oakland University. “These are the ones who defined the culture and perfected the craft long before there was a legal market. When you buy Oakland Legendary, you’re not just supporting a local business; you’re getting the world’s most authentic, high-caliber cannabis. These brands are true trendsetters, and once you try them, you’ll understand why Oakland remains the epicenter of the world’s finest cannabis.”

“Root’d believes it is extremely important to highlight the brands of operators who were disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs and educate the consumer on the importance of protecting the equity brands that have shaped the culture and community of cannabis. These core equity brands are the root ecosystem of our culture; the bigger and stronger the roots, the healthier Root’d’s culture McCullough” 510 has a long legacy in the cannabis industry and has been featured on the front page of the New York Times for being one of the first dispensaries in the nation. “It’s important to us that we direct consumers to amazing products and also shop with a purpose.”

Consumers can easily identify Oakland’s legendary certified equity operators through the Oakland Legendary certification mark on packaging, advertisements, and certified equity dealer windows. In a nod to the resilience of the community, the brand’s official positioning is slightly tilted, with the word “Legendary” rising, symbolizing the upward trajectory and sustained growth of Oakland’s capital operators.

The Oakland Legendary awareness campaign includes exclusive use of the certification mark on packaging and marketing materials and “I Hella ♡ Oakland Legendary Cannabis” swag. High-visibility billboards are located along Highway 880 to publicize the program. The public awareness campaign is supported by the National Equity Trade Network.

Source: Oakland

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