A groundbreaking initiative in Delta is fortifying food security for British Columbians, while two new training programs are set to equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the burgeoning agritech sector. The project, spearheaded by Delta-based Windset Farms in collaboration with the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), is focused on developing a sophisticated smart-farming system. This system automates decision-making processes through the use of sensors that monitor plant stress and manage greenhouse crops with heightened efficiency.
The project aims to enhance Windset’s production systems by optimizing climate control, nutrient uptake, and early disease detection in hydroponic tomatoes. By leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning, the initiative seeks to make significant strides in real-time greenhouse monitoring, climate and nutrient management, and early detection of potential plant diseases. “This partnership helps us develop advanced smart-farming systems that improve real-time greenhouse monitoring, optimize climate and nutrient management, and detect potential plant disease earlier,” said Tony Kalf, chief technology officer at Windset Farms. “These innovations allow us to make meaningful impacts through job creation, new business opportunities, and by ensuring the security and stability of B.C.’s food supply.”
The project is being advanced in conjunction with Simon Fraser University (SFU), Koidra, Vivent, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. This collaboration stems from a 2023 letter of intent between SFU and WUR to address agricultural sustainability challenges, such as food production and climate change.
In parallel, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is developing a training program to support the adoption of drought-resilient crop production systems. This program will educate participants in dry farming, a method that uses specific agro-ecological measures to cultivate crops with minimal additional water. The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Regional Extension Program, KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, local farmers, and industry groups. “BCCAI’s support, along with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, enables us to establish collaborative dry-farming extension, applied research, and demonstration projects on three farms,” said Kent Mullinix, director of KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems. “We’re engaging dozens of farmers, professionals, and students on soil health, agro-ecology, soil and weather data collection, and advancing drought-resilient farming.”
Additionally, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is introducing a training program that demonstrates new robotic-weeding technology. This initiative aims to address the significant challenge of weeds for fruit and vegetable producers by reducing labour reliance, minimizing herbicide use, and improving sustainability through efficient resource management. “The partnership with BCCAI enables new opportunities for students on current agricultural issues and shows them the types of skills and work opportunities available in agricultural robotics, such as the robotic-weeder demonstration,” said Renee Prasad, department head and associate professor of agriculture technology at UFV. “BCCAI serves an important role in supporting open dialogue by bringing technology and producers, current and future, together.”
The three new projects and training programs represent a total investment of approximately $658,000, with $280,000 from BCCAI, $204,000 from industry, and an in-kind industry contribution valued at $174,000. These initiatives are expected to provide advanced training to over 350 people in areas such as horticulture, regenerative agriculture, data management, and agri-business management, while creating three new jobs and increasing business opportunities through commercialization.
“B.C.-developed technology is helping our farmers increase production and make our food supply more resilient to climate change,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Using the latest tech to monitor plant growth and health, as well as maximize water and nutrient efficiency, is resulting in more sustainably grown, local food being produced for B.C. families and a better bottom line for farmers.”
This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which aims to deliver jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce and developing a more independent economy. The investment by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) in BCCAI is scaling up homegrown innovation and boosting B.C. business growth, key steps in building a strong Canadian economy. “PacifiCan investments are driving local innovation and helping B.C. businesses grow,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “The B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation is advancing groundbreaking technologies and hands-on training opportunities in the agriculture sector, improving food security and building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy.”
Rahul Singh, director of BCCAI, emphasized the importance of integrating technology