Canadian government launches funding competition, seeks blockchain and AI applications in agriculture

The Government of Canada has launched a new funding competition for national scale initiatives in automation and digital technology applications in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, launched the competition last week on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, through the Strategic Innovation Fund.

The government is seeking applications from networks and consortia of private sector companies, researchers and non-profit organizations that will work collaboratively to drive automation and digitization in the agricultural sector. Successful applicant would receive funding between $10 million and $50 million.

The government is particularly interested in proposals that seek to solve problems through the use of data and technology in the agriculture and agri-food sector, “such as automation and robotics, precision agriculture platforms, data and digital solutions, sensors, interconnected software and hardware, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain.”

The technological applications should generate strong economic and social benefits, and bring about positive environmental impacts, the release said.

"Through this exciting new competition, we're bringing together the best of Canada's digital technology, agriculture and agri-food sectors to create new solutions and opportunities in a fast-changing global market. By doing so, we're ensuring Canadians are well positioned to lead and create jobs in the digital economy for middle-class families,” Poissant said.

Interested applicants have until January 11, 2019, to submit a Declaration of Intent, and would be required to submit a Full Application for funding by March 1, 2019.