Abbotsford – New agritech projects funded through the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) are supporting more learning opportunities, new jobs and the creation of technologies that will strengthen production of local food.
“Developing a strong agritech industry is critical to building a sustainable food supply, as well as contributing to new jobs and economic growth for communities in B.C.,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “By supporting innovative new ideas through the BCCAI, our government is making it easier for local tech companies to work with the agriculture industry and support farmers with the tools and technologies they need to be successful and ensure we have more locally grown food on the tables of British Columbians.”
Announced at the 2024 Pacific Agriculture Show (in Abbotsford), 13 new projects represent a total investment of $2 million, including $658,000 from the BCCAI matched by industry. These projects will focus on solving critical challenges facing food producers, including soil health, pest and pathogen management, as well as supporting Indigenous food sovereignty and creating more training opportunities in agritech to build a more sustainable economy.
“B.C.’s agriculture sector is a source of reliable, locally produced food that supports good jobs and a strong economy,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “By partnering with the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, the Government of Canada is helping local food producers develop innovative technological solutions to industry challenges and remain competitive for years to come.”
The funding includes a $288,000 project with BW Global Structures Incorporated for its project that will pioneer innovative methods to grow new, high-value, outdoor field crops within its cutting-edge and purpose-built sealed greenhouses.
The project aims to adapt outdoor plant varieties for greenhouse conditions and to develop optimized cultivation techniques for their intensive year-round production leading to more B.C. grown food and approximately 16 new jobs in Abbotsford.
Other projects supported by the BCCAI include learning opportunities through organizations such as the B.C. Agricultural Climate Action Research Network (ACARN), which will help food producers be more sustainable and resilient to climate change, and Simon Fraser University’s School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering where people will receive hands-on learning experience through a six-day workshop working with agritech and creating new employable skills.
