A local organization in Alberta is taking bold steps to advance farming practices by harnessing the power of digital technologies and environmentally friendly methods. Alberta Innovates, a funding agency, is investing over $5 million to support research companies in developing more sustainable and economically viable operations in the agriculture and bioindustrial sectors.
Virginia Mulligan, senior manager of Alberta Innovates' agri-food innovation programs, explained the motivation behind this initiative, stating, “They were proposing us solutions for some of the problems that the two sectors are facing right now. The importance of technology or new processes and new technologies really needs to be embraced.”
The agency is providing funding for 11 projects, which are being undertaken by small to medium-sized companies. Some of the noteworthy projects include the use of digital technology to estimate wheat yields and manage harvests, the application of artificial intelligence to identify lame cattle before transportation, and the development of a locally made carbon-dioxide sensor for grain bins to minimize crop loss.
Mulligan emphasized that Alberta cannot afford to lag behind in adopting modern farming practices and technologies. “With more automation, more digitalization, with the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence,” she said, “we have to adapt to the new way of doing things.”
One of the companies that received funding is TerraVerdae Bioworks Inc., which focuses on designing biodegradable and compostable plastics. Their latest project involved creating a biodegradable coating for seeds to enhance crop production efficiency. By using biopolymer technology based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), the company developed a biodegradable film that delivers essential nutrients to the soil when it degrades, ensuring soil health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with crop production.
Ray Bergstra, director of TerraVerdae, expressed his gratitude for the funding, stating, “This funding will help Alberta agriculture continue to be a significant driving force for our economy and allow our producers to continue to provide high-quality agricultural products.”
RJ Siguardon, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, also commended Alberta Innovates for supporting these cutting-edge projects. “I am pleased to see Alberta Innovates support these cutting-edge projects. This funding will help Alberta agriculture continue to be a significant driving force for our economy and allow our producers to continue to provide high-quality agricultural products,” Siguardon said in a media release.
Mulligan encouraged more innovative ideas to improve efficiency, sustainability, and reduce workloads for producers, emphasizing that the Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program with Alberta Innovates is open to new funding applications. Successful applicants can receive up to $500,000 in funding per project.
With Alberta Innovates' financial support, these research companies are poised to make significant contributions in revolutionizing farming techniques and paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future in Alberta.
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