Sowing innovation: $15.5M boost for B.C. food systems through agritech and workforce training

The Simon Fraser University-led B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) is investing in 19 new agritech projects and nine training programs aimed at strengthening the province’s food production and job growth.

The 19 new projects and nine training programs aim to help tackle critical challenges faced by food producers in B.C., including soil health, indoor agriculture, plant and animal health, Indigenous food sovereignty, and training opportunities. 

Together, they represent a total investment of $15.5 million, including $4.8 million from BCCAI, matched by industry contributions.

By supporting B.C. food producers, we are helping ensure that everyone in our province continues to have access to fresh, local and healthy food.

“Simon Fraser University is proud to support British Columbia’s leadership in agritech through BCCAI,” says Dugan O’Neil, SFU vice-president, research and innovation. “By fostering a thriving, sustainable agritech ecosystem, we’re supporting local agri-producers, empowering small and medium-sized businesses, and delivering benefits to consumers—all while driving economic growth. We greatly appreciate the government’s support for innovation and the partnerships that are advancing BC's agriculture and food sector.”

The BCCAI empowers B.C.’s growers, producers, processors and small and medium-sized businesses to bring new products to market and supports our food producers in adopting transformative technologies. These agritech innovations are helping B.C. agriculture and agrifood sectors improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.

As a hub for innovation, the centre connects stakeholders across industry, academia, government and communities to identify the sector’s needs and creates programs that advance innovative solutions to sector’s challenges. It is helping improve food security locally and globally while creating hundreds of well-paying jobs and positioning the province as a world leader in agritech.

The new investment includes a $1.2 million project with Foxy Produce Ltd. The company, which operates a farm in Aldergrove and a produce store in North Vancouver, is piloting new technology to improve greenhouse insulation, potentially reducing energy costs by 50 per cent. The project is expected to create 62 new jobs and increase revenue by 30 per cent by creating fresh B.C.-grown food with less energy used.

“Across British Columbia, forward-thinking innovators are developing technology that is transforming agriculture in our province,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “By partnering with the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, the Government of Canada is supporting local food producers, strengthening our supply chains and growing a skilled workforce.”

Training and upskilling the current and future workforce are also central to BCCAI’s plans.  

The centre supports inclusive training programs for next-generation technologies as well as traditional and regenerative practices. Tea Creek in Kitwanga is educating Indigenous youth on food sovereignty systems while utilizing Indigenous technologies. In the Lower Mainland, the BC Blueberry Council is training growers on commercialization strategies for launching new berry cultivars developed through innovative agritech, such as genomics.

“Our province is home to vibrant agriculture and technology sectors, and our government is standing strong to keep them safe during times of global uncertainty,” says Diana Gibson, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Through the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), our government is bolstering our economy and leveraging our strengths to help local agritech and agrifood businesses bring more B.C. goods to market, advance food security and create good jobs for people by growing industry here at home.”

Other projects supported by the BCCAI include training and upskilling opportunities through organizations like the B.C. Greenhouse Growers Association and the University of the Fraser Valley, which are helping food producers adapt to climate change and strengthen the local food supply.

“Partnering with farmers and SMEs, BCCAI is advancing agritech innovation to strengthen B.C.’s food value chain, benefiting our communities and environment” says Rahul Singh, BCCAI director. “The launch of 19 new projects and nine training programs underscores the strong demand for innovation and training among farmers, processors, and SMEs. With support from the government and industry partners, BCCAI is committed to meeting this need.”