Building on the IoT sensor system previously developed by Crop Sentry, the partners will optimize in-field sensors for pea and canola crops to autonomously gather phenotype data throughout the growing season. This in-field data-gathering will help farmers better collect measurements related to crop quality, leading to improved data-driven decisions that will have positive ripple effects up the value chain.
“Canada’s food and ingredient sectors are evolving, and with this evolution comes a need for new technology—including technology that utilizes the vast potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel said. “By focusing their initial efforts on in-field AI technology, our project partners are building on the established success of Canada’s agriculture industry to help add value and increase the sustainability of our plant-based value chain. This approach will bring benefit to Canada’s farmers, as well as beyond to our ingredient processors and Canadian families.”
With the improved crop quality, ingredient processors will have a more consistent supply of protein to work with, helping them to develop a steady supply of high-quality, highly functional ingredients that will aid consumer-packaged goods manufacturers in developing new food and beverage products. The technology will also aid in traceability efforts related to sustainability, in-field management practices and allergen concerns, meeting the evolving needs of consumers across Canada and abroad.
The end result will mean improved products for consumers to enjoy, while strengthening Canada’s supply chain and economy.
“We are excited to be a part of this partnership,” Enns Brothers president and CEO Ray Bouchard said. “We believe it is critical that frontline producers are a key component of the value chain, and that technology can be deployed at scale, providing a strong value proposition for growers.”
“Technology is becoming an increasingly more important component in so many sectors and agriculture is no exception. Data is critical to provide the information needed so that we can make higher quality products right across the agriculture value chain. This starts in the field, with data driven decisions to improve the quality and sustainability of the crops we grow, enabling processors like AGT Foods to manufacture even better products for consumers and the markets we service. We believe utilizing technologies like AI, such as those being developed and introduced through this partnership, will be a significant driver for the agriculture sector,” AGT Foods president and CEO Murad Al-Katib said.
The project is the first to be announced under Protein Industries Canada’s artificial intelligence stream. A total of $13 million has been invested in the project, with Protein Industries Canada committing approximately $5.9 million and the partners together committing the remainder. Protein Industries Canada’s artificial intelligence stream is funded as part of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, through which the federal government is investing in efforts to drive the adoption of artificial intelligence across Canada‘s economy and society.
