Dry processing technology, bio-herbicides receive funding boost

Victoria, B.C. – The agrifoods industry in B.C. has received an innovation boost.

The boost comes as funding from the province and the federal government to the tune of $1.4 million for 17 new projects that will support innovation throughout the province.

In total, the province and the federal government have committed $13.4 million through the Growing Forward 2 agreement between 2013 and 2018 through the Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program. In 2013-2014, 36 projects have shared more than $3.3 million.

The most recent projects announced include:

• Commercializing a system that uses dry processing technology to create food products from B.C. fruits and vegetables not sold as fresh or frozen products.
• The development of a specialized transfer tool to improve the success rate and accessibility of embryo transfers for commercial cattle operations and other agricultural applications.
• Field testing several new bio-herbicides for weed control in cranberries.

  Projects funded through the program must have the potential to lead to the commercialization and/or adoption of innovative products, technologies and practices.

Eligible participants must be appropriately registered, licensed and/or certified to conduct business in B.C.