Today, Protein Industries Canada announced an innovative new project in collaboration with Croptimistic Technology, TheoryMesh and C-Merak Innovations aimed at transforming the agri-food value chain through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This initiative seeks to enhance food production efficiency, improve food quality and support sustainability goals from farm to food processor by improving existing precision agriculture tools to enhance data collection and integration at the sub-field level. This will provide food manufacturers with verified data that complies with regulations and meets consumer expectations for transparency in the food they consume. The data collected will also help farmers and ingredient processors access sustainability incentive premiums and access to alternative markets.
“With this project, Protein Industries Canada is supporting greater transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “By leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance precision agriculture practices and increase the adoption of technologies in farming, these project partners are increasing sustainability in the agri-food sector and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians.”
Together, Croptimistic Technology, TheoryMesh and C-Merak Innovations will develop and utilize AI-integrated technologies to consistently collect sub-field-level data and management practices from producers. This data will then be used to predict process settings within the mill to generate high yields and less by-product or waste material, while at the same time, supplying ingredient processors and food manufacturers with the information necessary to support sustainability claims on food products.
“This project will provide Canada with a unique selling advantage, helping us to fully understand our environmental impact from the field to the dinner table. Investments like this will help Canada achieve its sustainability goals and establish itself as a global leader in the sector,” said Lisa Campbell, Senior Director of Programs at Protein Industries Canada.
The project will see $5.4 million co-invested into innovative and scalable AI technologies that will enhance the sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of Canada’s agriculture and food production sector. Protein Industries Canada will invest $2.4 million, with the partners investing the remainder.
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