Agritech Innovation Challenge

The challenge aims to support: agri-food companies to explore the potential benefits of tech adoption; agritech companies to mold product innovation to better serve the agri-food industry; and BC tech companies to discover a growing market opportunity.

Agri-tech helps support agriculture in communities across the province and the Ministry of Agriculture's Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan's goals of increasing farmland in production by 91,000 hectares, and the sector generating $15 billion in annual revenue by 2020.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.'s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia's diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province. In partnership with the BC Innovation Council, the province is hosting B.C.'s second #BCTECH Summit, March 14-15, 2017, with made-in-B.C. tech innovations, thought-provoking keynotes and outstanding networking opportunities.

The Innovation challenge will include the topics below, with additional details released at the Challenge:

1. Long live the B.C. blueberry:  Enhancing productivity and profitability through enhanced mechanization and storage solutions for blueberries and other field crops.

   Blueberries are B.C.'s top primary agricultural commodity export and in demand globally. In order to further maximize the productivity and resiliency of this commodity, innovations are sought that will improve mechanization, harvesting, processing and storage of blueberries. Innovations for this challenge should consider how the technologies and solutions will also apply across other B.C. commodities.

2. There's got to be a better way: Minimizing losses through pest management solutions.

   Wildlife and pests, such as deer, coyotes, beavers, birds and insects, can create losses for farmers and ranchers and represent an ongoing, age-old challenge. Currently, innovations are sought to effectively manage pest, wildlife and invasive species concerns in a socially responsible way. Could the use of drones, hormones, virtual fencing or other technologies create new-age solutions?

3. Getting (even) greener: Promoting sustainable practices and finding efficiencies in B.C. greenhouses.

   The BC greenhouse sector is a significant contributor to the agriculture sector and value chain, producing high-value vegetables and a wide range of ornamental plants. The industry is, however, cost and resource intensive, relying on state-of-the-art facilities and advanced production practices to produce high-quality products. Innovations are sought to continue to enhance the reputation of the sector as a leader in innovative and sustainable practices.

4. The circular approach: creating new revenue streams and addressing environmental concerns through optimization of nutrient application and nutrient recovery.

   The over application of nutrients in the form of animal manures and commercial fertilizers is creating environmental challenges, leading to the need for changes in management practices. Producers are incurring costs for disposing of by-products, when they should be realizing revenue streams from excess nutrients. Currently, nutrient management and recovery innovations are sought to maximize potential across many sectors within the agriculture industry.

   The Challenge is a partnership between the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and the BC Innovation Council and funded through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that provides a $3-billion investment over five years in innovation, competitiveness and market development.

Additional links

Agritech Innovation Challenge matches food and tech with opportunity

Contacts

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (mobile)

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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