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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.

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta