Beyond Food Security: How Agri-Tech Innovation Fuels Social and Economic Prosperity

By Tabitha Caswell for Bioenterprise Canada

When we talk about food security, most people focus on addressing hunger and social inequality. However, it’s time to broaden the conversation. Food security is not only a humanitarian concern but also a regional and national economic necessity. For Canada, food and agri-tech innovation can unlock solutions to help feed more people while also driving growth. 

Richard Cloutier, a Board Director and Innovation Advisor at Bioenterprise Canada, joins the conversation, bringing his expertise in tech transfer, innovation, and early-stage investments. Alongside him is Michael McGee, Director of Innovation at Bioenterprise Canada, who brings over 30 years of experience in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) investments, with the last eight years dedicated to agri-food. Together, they explore how fostering agri-tech innovation drives Canada’s economic prosperity.

As governments recognize the urgency of food security, they are increasingly prioritizing policies that encourage the development of innovative solutions. Harnessing these solutions to enhance food security also attracts investment, boosts trade, and reduces strain on social systems. Can the push to improve food security be viewed as a catalyst for long-term economic growth and stability? 

Through targeted investments in food and agri-tech innovation, Canada can position itself as a leader in food production and a global economic force. Before we dive in too deep, however, let’s start by examining what we mean by food security.