Precision agriculture continues advance

Oct 05, 2023

Farmers use soil, sun, water and nutrients that have existed for millions of years to produce food that sustains people around the world. But one often-overlooked aspect of farming is the evolution of agricultural technology.

Advancements in knowledge, biology and technology have enabled farmers to produce more food with fewer resources for 12,000 years. The technological advancements of recent decades make the gains of the previous 11,000 years seem small.

When agriculture began at the end of the Stone Age there were about 5 million people in the world. Few if any farmers were feeding people beyond their extended family.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.