British Columbia is supporting job creation and upskilling projects to “ensure more people have the necessary skills to succeed in the growing agri-tech sector.”
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth for the Province, believes it is “critical that two of British Columbia’s greatest strengths—technology and agriculture—come together.”
Kahlon says the latest moves connect “innovators with industry partners to turn made-in-B.C. ideas into real-world solutions that create jobs and drive our economy forward in a sustainable future.”
This includes a smart-farming project in Delta and two new agri-tech training programs.
Delta-based Windset Farms is developing a smart-farming system that automates decision-making with sensors that monitor plant stress for efficient greenhouse crop management.
“These innovations allow us to make meaningful impacts through job creation,” posits Tony Kalf, chief technology officer of Windset Farms.
One training opportunity developed by the University of the Fraser Valley is demonstrating new robotic-weeding technology.
Weeds are a challenge for fruit and vegetable producers in BC, impacting productivity by competing for resources. This project demonstrates and trains farmers and students on robotic weeding technologies.
“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,” commented Renee Prasad, an associate professor of agriculture technology at UFV.
And, through Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a training program is being developed to support the need to adopt more drought-resilient crop production systems.
The program, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Regional Extension Program and industry partners, will train participants in “dry farming.”
“We’re engaging dozens of farmers, professionals and students on soil health, agro-ecology, soil and weather data collection, and advancing drought-resilient farming,” remarked Kent Mullinix, director of KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems.
It is forecast that the new project and training opportunities will provide more than 350 people advanced training in agri-tech sector skills and create new jobs.
“For technology to deliver real impact, it must go hand in hand with training and upskilling the workforce,” suggests Rahul Singh, director of the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation. “These initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving sustainable agriculture and food security.”
