A research program focused on genomics was front and centre at the recent summer meeting of the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC). In 2019 the organization partnered with Ontario Genomics and Genome Canada to announce $3 million in funding for eight projects that would leverage genomics technologies in the agri-food sector. “Each of the three partners […] Read more
Climate solutions found in genes
Making hazelnut trees more cold tolerant is one of eight genomics projects funded in the province
Network supports agricultural automation innovation
CAAIN funds ‘plant to pint’ traceability project
The first “plant to pint” commercial traceability system using blockchain technology was recently unveiled in Canada. Grain Discovery can capture every input, movement, process and touchpoint from multiple sources into a shared digital ledger that follows the barley plant from the field to its eventual appearance as beer in a pint glass. The innovative Ontario […] Read more
Accelerator supports companies in advancing sustainable innovation
Programming and commercialization services are available to eligible enterprises
Bioenterprise Canada helps Canadian start-ups and companies in the agri-food sector with sustainable innovation efforts. The Guelph-based national accelerator known as Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine recently unveiled its new sustainability initiative designed to support Canada’s drive to be a leader in food sustainability and security. At the same time, Aramark, Bayer, BASF, MNP and […] Read more
Bringing rapid genetic testing to the farm
Competition win helped Harvest Genomics bring its technology to the agriculture industry
The last two years have been a whirlwind for Harvest Genomics CEO and co-founder Chris Grainger. After his Guelph-based start-up won the University of Guelph Gryphon’s LAAIR pitch competition in 2020, the company has been on a rapid growth trajectory. Launching a business in the middle of a pandemic was not without its challenges, but […] Read more
Canadian early alert system expands services for fungal crop diseases
Spornado can detect fungal spores in many crops and help growers make targeted spraying decisions
Last year, a made-in-Canada system to alert farmers to the presence of airborne crop pathogens was showcased as one of Canada’s top 101 Most Innovative Predictive Analytical Companies. The Spornado is a simple and low cost in-field tool that passively traps air- and waterborne spores on specialized filters. Those filters are then analyzed for the […] Read more
A better way to track bee health
Tracking colonies used for pollination services allows beekeepers to prevent losses and make better management decisions
A new automated apiary management platform lets beekeepers track their hives individually to make better management decisions. According to Quebec-based start-up Nectar Technologies, the ultimate goal of BeeTrack is to help raise more sustainable bees. A third of the world’s crops depend on bee pollination and according to the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists, Canada’s […] Read more
Food waste put to use in formula to boost root growth, sugar content
Nurture Growth uses microbes from waste to let plants fix their own nitrogen
The power of rescued food waste is being harnessed to lessen farmers’ dependence on synthetic fertilizers. A bio-organic formula using food waste developed by Mississauga-based Nurture Growth that contains more than 20 microbes lets plants fix their own nitrogen and has been shown to boost yield and make plants more resilient. Why it matters: Under […] Read more
Smart, invisible fence brings precision rodent control to the farm
Ultrasonic sound waves prevent rodents from getting into buildings
Precision management on the farm may soon extend beyond growing crops or feeding livestock to also include rodent control. A Newfoundland start-up is working to bring ecoBloc to market, a smart, invisible fence that gives off high frequency ultrasonic sound waves designed to keep mice and rats away from grain and feed storages and equipment […] Read more
Canada’s agriculture innovation sector has momentum, experts say
Capitalizing on interest and supporting entrepreneurs key to keep momentum going
There’s a sense of optimism and excitement in the Canadian agri-tech and innovation sector these days – and despite ongoing challenges, the future shines bright with opportunity. That’s according to panelists at the recent THRIVE Spotlight on Canadian Agri-Food Innovation, where the Silicon Valley-based global accelerator announced its first Canadian cohort of start-up companies. Why […] Read more
New accelerator helps agri-food start-ups THRIVE
Silicon Valley-based investor platform announces its first cohort in Canada
The new THRIVE Canada Accelerator has unveiled the participants in its first cohort for Canadian agri-food innovation start-ups. It’s led by SVG Ventures | THRIVE, a leading global investment platform headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley that has been helping start-up founders and entrepreneurs around the world since 2010. Why it matters: Producing more with less […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
