In a significant move to bolster agricultural innovation, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), in partnership with the Calgary Stampede, AdFarm, and Olds College, has announced a $2.75 million investment over five years to establish AgSphere, an agricultural innovation hub. This initiative aims to support 75 companies and train 450 individuals, including students and those seeking reskilling opportunities, over the investment period.
AgSphere is poised to become a catalyst for ag-tech innovation, technology adoption, investment attraction, and workforce development in the agricultural sector. Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of OCIF, emphasized the collaborative nature of AgSphere, stating, “AgSphere is about helping create a collaborative, connected and united agriculture ecosystem where innovation, ideas and new technologies can thrive.” This investment is a strategic step towards positioning Calgary as the innovation capital of Canada, strengthening the local agriculture sector, and driving economic growth.
Chris Paterson, executive director of AgSphere, highlighted the global competitiveness of Canadian agriculture, noting that Canadian farms are already leaders in efficiency, technology leveraging, and sustainability. He envisions AgSphere acting as a matchmaker, connecting innovative farms with a trained workforce and capital. Paterson also mentioned the hub’s role in facilitating the exchange of agricultural products and technologies between Canada and other countries, fostering market exploration and validation.
The Calgary Stampede grounds will temporarily house AgSphere in its vacant office space, aligning with the Stampede’s 20-year master plan to accommodate agricultural stakeholders and partners. Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “AgSphere would be a natural fit for something like that.” The Stampede’s annual event presents an opportunity to showcase the technology and innovation emerging from AgSphere to the 1.4 million visitors, many of whom are several generations removed from agricultural backgrounds.
Parry also underscored the importance of AgSphere in bridging the gap between urban centers and the agricultural sector, highlighting the technological advancements in modern farming, such as the 32 computers on board a typical tractor. He envisions natural connections between AgSphere and other hubs, like aviation and hydrogen, to foster an environment where innovation can flourish and attract new companies and sectors to Calgary.
This investment in AgSphere marks a significant milestone in Calgary’s journey towards becoming a hub for agricultural innovation, with far-reaching implications for the local economy, workforce development, and the global agricultural landscape.