Minister MacAulay announces funding for innovations in sustainable agricultural technology
News release
November 22, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of more than $7.2 million for 4 projects through the AgriInnovate Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This investment aims to drive growth and increase the sustainability of Canada's agriculture industry through innovative technologies.
CRO Quail Farms Inc. (CRO) in Saint Anns, ON is receiving up to $1,645,200 to adopt automated production and packaging systems that will make it the first-of-its-kind quail production facility in North America. The project will address labour shortages and reduce costs, allowing CRO to compete in the growing North American quail market.
KSM Inc. in Tring-Jonction, QC is receiving up to $5,000,000 to build and operate Canada's first large-scale plant to produce Potassium Sulphate (SOP) and Potassium Magnesium Sulphate (SOPM) fertilizers. This project will help reduce reliance on imported fertilizers and support local industries. KSM's innovative production process uses less energy and lowers greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) compared to traditional methods, making it a more sustainable choice for farmers.
Solution Aleop Inc. in Québec, QC is receiving up to $371,250 to further expand and commercialize its digital tool, Aleop, which helps Canadian agricultural businesses automate administrative tasks and track production costs in real time. By reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency, Aleop supports better resource management, helping producers improve productivity and sustainability while strengthening the agricultural sector.
Axceta Inc. in Longueuil, QC is receiving up to $255,353 in funding to demonstrate its ultrasound gauge technology for inventory management in feed silos. This technology will help producers and feed mill operators monitor feed levels in real time, making operations more efficient and reducing waste. By improving resource management, Axceta enables farmers to better anticipate their needs, avoid costs associated with last-minute orders, optimize supplies, and support sustainability in agriculture.
Quotes
"By supporting these impressive and innovative projects, we're giving our farmers the tools they need to lead in the industry. From new production facilities to advancements in digital tools and feed silo technology, we're boosting Canadian agriculture and making it greener, keeping the sector strong and sustainable for the long haul."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"With the help of the AgriInnovate Program, Spring Creek Quail Farms has been able to install cutting-edge technology to further the quail farming industry. We've been able to create good jobs while remaining a zero-waste farm using sustainable farming methods. Vertical integration farming is crucial to our success and AgriInnovate has allowed us to do this!"
- Aaron Oosterhoff, President, CRO Quail Farms Inc.
"We are very proud and grateful to have been selected by the AgriInnovate Program for the generous funding of $5M. These funds are earmarked to advance the commercialization of our patented process that among other attributes, reduces GHG emissions by 70%. Being based in Quebec, our fertilizer production facility gains a competitive edge being close to major agricultural growing regions."
- David Lemieux, CEO, KSM Inc.
"This critical funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will strengthen innovation and accelerate the commercialization of the Aleop platform across Canada. It will support the development of new features, including the addition of advanced cost centres, to better support entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. By building on these improvements, we are consolidating our role as a key partner in companies' strategic decisions."
- Robert Verge, President, Solution Aleop Inc.
"The AgriInnovate funding will allow us to continue developing our Connected Silos solution, a product of our Agflo Connected Agriculture Innovation Division. With more than 10 customers in Quebec and more than 250 sensors already installed, we are now working on increasing the reliability of our readings and extending the maintenance-free life of our sensor so we can enter markets with larger livestock operations, such as the United States and the rest of Canada."
- Francois Roy, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Axceta Inc.
Quick facts
-
The AgriInnovate Program provides repayable contributions to incent targeted commercialization, demonstration and/or adoption of commercial-ready innovative technologies and processes that increase the agricultural and agri-food sector's competitiveness and sustainability benefits.
-
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement, between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Page details
- Date modified: