The University of Guelph is leading the development of a national network aimed at accelerating investment in Canadian agri-food innovation, particularly in technologies addressing climate change. The network, called Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C), received a $16.3 million government grant to support its initiatives.
The University of Guelph is spearheading the development of a nationwide network designed to stimulate investment in Canadian agri-food innovation, particularly in the creation of new technologies to tackle pressing issues such as climate change . The university has been awarded an almost $16.3 million government grant spanning five years to support this platform, known as Sustainable Food Systems for Canada, or SF4C.
This platform aims to empower agri-food entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Canada's agriculture industry is grappling with several significant challenges, most notably climate change, according to Rene Van Acker, the interim president and vice-chancellor at the University of Guelph. He posits that technology holds the key to helping farmers overcome this hurdle. 'Agriculture has consistently adapted to technological advancements, whether it's been mechanical, genetic, or chemical, and now data,' he stated. He believes that any initiative accelerating this adaptation will enhance productivity within the sector while simultaneously bolstering its resilience to climate change. Van Acker emphasized that the network strives to support agri-food startups developing technological solutions to address the sector's most pressing challenges. This ambitious initiative unites 13 post-secondary institutions from across Canada, alongside numerous organizations including the Canadian Food Innovation Network, the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food, and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture. The initiative will comprise three core programs: a training platform, a mentorship service, and a series of activities, events, and workshops. The network's intention is to bridge the gap between universities and colleges, while also connecting them with other organizations within the agriculture and food sector, Van Acker explained. 'They don't necessarily communicate with each other, they don't necessarily synergize, they don't necessarily share or collaborate,' he stated. 'The network concept emerged as an opportunity to secure funding to establish a connective tissue between these diverse actors.' He added, 'It's not a complicated endeavor, but it requires execution, and it needs financial resources to get it off the ground.'Van Acker highlighted that a significant portion of the research conducted in the agri-food sector takes place within public institutions, where new innovations are adopted to assist farmers in increasing productivity and expanding their operations. He argues that the sector lacks a 'culture of innovation that is more entrepreneurial, focused on starting new businesses, creating new businesses from innovation, and expanding the sector.' 'This network represents a substantial push in that direction,' he emphasized. Van Acker noted that much of the cutting-edge technology currently being developed and implemented within the sector revolves around data collection and utilization. The platform will be jointly led by Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, and Lenore Newman, director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, B.C. 'Together, they will assemble experts from agriculture, veterinary medicine, Indigenous organizations, and startups to support programs across Canada and form one of the world's largest food system innovation training networks focused on agri-food,' the press release stated. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 22, 2025. Rosa Saba, The Canadian Pres
Agriculture Innovation Climate Change AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION CLIMATE CHANGE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS FOR CANADA TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
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