Agritech Challenge
Backgrounder
January 12, 2017 – Victoria, British Columbia – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture
With agrifood as one of the largest manufacturing sectors in B.C., the development and adoption of innovative agritech solutions represent a significant opportunity for BC producers and processors to continue to provide British Columbians with fresh and local foods, become increasingly competitive on the world stage, be better prepared to adapt to changing climate conditions, and support tens of thousands of jobs in B.C.
The Agritech Innovation Challenge is a partnership between the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the BC Innovation Council and the $240,000 in funding is provided through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that provides a $3 billion investment over five years in innovation, competitiveness and market development.
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. In partnership with the BC Innovation Council, the province is hosting B.C.’s second #BCTECH Summit, March 14-15, 2017, with made-in-BC tech innovations, thought-provoking keynotes and outstanding networking opportunities.
The innovation challenge covers many topics:
Long live the BC 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 BC commodities.
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?
Getting (even) greener: Promoting sustainable practices and finding efficiencies in BC 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.
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.
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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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