Agri-Tech Innovation initiative receives $22.6 to support 319 farms and agri-food businesses

Sep 04, 2024

Up to $22.6 million in funds are being allocated towards the Agri-Tech Innovation initiative to further develop energy efficiency and expand production capacity in the agriculture and food sector.

In a recent press release, the government of Canada and Ontario announced the expenditure through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help 319 farming and agri-food businesses invest in innovative technology, equipment or processes that will expand production capacity or enhance efficiency.

“Our government knows that supporting innovation in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector is key to it reaching its potential, while securing our collective ability to achieve the ambitious goals in our Grow Ontario Strategy,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “These investments will allow established and emerging businesses to speed up efforts to optimize their operations and support growth for our agriculture and food sector.”

Sustainable CAP is a five year, $3.5-billion subsidy from federal, provincial and territorial governments, that aim to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector.

Click here to see more...

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.