Agricultural societies have long been part of the fabric of rural life in Ontario, but one such organization is changing how it supports agriculture. Philanthropy, particularly support for innovation and the future of the agriculture industry, has become a core part of the Elora, Ont.-based Grand River Agricultural Society. That includes making investments into early-stage […] Read more
How an agriculture society boosts farm innovation
Grand River Agricultural Society is investing in farm technology businesses
Ag tech accelerator connects start-ups with producers and business experts
Cultivator continues to expand its offerings to help ag tech founders flourish
The road to commercialization success for an agricultural innovation entrepreneur is neither short nor straight. It can be hard to find the necessary funding, overcome regulatory barriers, or access all the necessary skills and resources to go from idea to sellable product. That’s where the Saskatchewan-based Cultivator, Canada’s first credit union-led tech incubator, is helping […] Read more
Technology uses sensors to manage feed
Feed flow monitoring reduces costs and improves pig performance
For livestock producers, feed consumption and conversion are leading success indicators, but measuring this in real time can be challenging. Weighing animals regularly isn’t practical, and existing feed monitoring solutions don’t give an accurate picture of what is actually happening inside a barn. Why it matters: Feed is one of the biggest costs in raising […] Read more
New packing line expands potato production capacity
EarthFresh Farms markets specialty and premium varieties
A new state of the art production line is helping an Ontario company get a premium local product to consumers more quickly and efficiently. EarthFresh Farms Inc. is a Canadian produce company based in Burlington that specializes in growing, packing and distributing potatoes. The company is vertically integrated in all aspects of the potato industry […] Read more
Smart system can predict where weeds will grow
AI-driven tool uses field imagery and crop data to allows growers to apply targeted control
Keeping weeds under control is a seemingly never-ending chore for farmers, requiring consistent investments of time and money. But what if there was a tool that could predict where weeds will grow, allowing growers to take precise action before they ever emerge from the ground? Why it matters: Farmers are continually looking for alternative yet […] Read more
Ontario innovator wins Food Waste Challenge
Technology from Clean Works extends produce shelf life, reduces fungicide use
An Ontario company with technology that can reduce fungicide use and increase produce shelf life has won a $1 million grand prize from the federal government. Why it matters: The technology can increase the shelf-life of produce by up to 20 per cent, which would reduce food waste. St. Catherines-based Clean Works was named one […] Read more
Innovation centre fills greenhouse industry R&D gaps
Centre for Horticultural Innovation aims to expand greenhouse vegetable production in Ontario
Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are the greenhouse crops for which Ontario is probably best known. The province is home to North America’s largest vegetable greenhouse cluster with more than 3,900 acres under glass, and the industry is always searching for new crops and newer, better ways to grow them. Why it matters: The hunt is […] Read more
New plant-based bee health treatment shows promise
Research results show treatment has efficacy against foulbrood viruses and varroa mites
The challenges facing bee health have become well-known in recent years as bee deaths have made headlines in many countries. According to the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists, honeybee losses in Canada were estimated at 32 per cent nationwide last year, with provincial losses ranging from 11.7 to 46.2 per cent. A British Columbia company […] Read more
Digital medicine gives farmers easier access to veterinary care
VETSon provides veterinary clinics with option to provide remote service
Canada has a growing nation-wide shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural and remote areas. An Ontario start-up has launched a solution aimed to lessen the burden on struggling veterinary practices and make services available to more farmers. Colin Yates and his father, Glen, who has been a mixed practice veterinarian for more than 45 years, […] Read more
Clean label soy ingredients produced in Ontario
New Protein Global has developed a technology to process soybeans without hexane
An Ontario-based company has developed a technology to produce soy protein for the plant-based food and ingredients sector. New Protein Global’s proprietary and trademarked extraction process, BioPur, uses a 100 per cent bio-based solvent to press oil from soybeans, replacing a widely used compound called hexane. Why it matters: The food industry has been seeking […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
