Modern laser-based technology transforms soil analysis process
News Release
January 27, 2017 – Boucherville, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri Food Canada (AAFC)
Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay—Lacolle, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food Lawrence MacAulay, today announced a repayable contribution of $470,000 to help a Quebec company to commercialize a laser-based soil analysis system that replaces more traditional chemical analyses.
This funding to Logiag Inc. will allow the company to introduce to the market laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a technology that allows for faster and more accurate data at lower cost. The goal is to provide producers with the exact amount of fertilizer needed and thereby avoid the overuse of chemicals.
This investment helps achieve the federal government's goal of creating good jobs in the agriculture sector by supporting discovery science and innovation.
Quick facts
- Logiag Inc., an agronomy consulting firm located in Châteauguay, Quebec, was established in 1999 by two brothers. Logiag provides agri-environmental IT services, field-crop production and crop management to its clients, while supporting the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Logiag has 36 employees in Quebec and Prince Edward Island.
- The technology was developed by Logiag in 2015, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the support of its Industrial Research Assistance Program. (See link to NRC success story below)
- This investment from the AgriInnovation program, a $698-million initiative under the policy framework, will help Logiag create 45 jobs over five years.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is investing in science and innovation to keep our farmers on the cutting edge, while protecting the environment. Projects like these will help give our agricultural sector a competitive advantage and strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in precision agriculture."
- Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay-Lacolle
"The financial support we received was crucial for establishing a world-class laboratory and demonstrating our laser technology, which is attracting a great deal of interest. Representatives of organizations such as Bayer, SGS and Eurofins Scientific have come to us to confirm their hypotheses."
- Charles Nault, eng., MBA, President and CEO, Logiag Inc.
Additional links
- AgriInnovation Program – Agriculture and Agri Food Canada
- Logiag
- NRC brings laser precision to agriculture
Contacts
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
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
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Charles Nault
President and CEO
Logiag Inc.
450-427-3000, extension 227
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