The University of Guelph (U of G) and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) have joined forces.
The partnership focuses on creating sustainable agri-food pathways, leveraging the combined expertise and resources of both institutions. It aims to inspire and train the next generation of leaders, positioning Canada as a global pioneer in producing safe, healthy, and sustainable food.
Key initiatives include developing a national agricultural technology strategy and fostering Canada’s agricultural technology ecosystem. This partnership is set to positive impact sustainable innovation in Canada's booming $140-billion food and agriculture industry.
Under the new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Dr. Evan Fraser from U of G's Arrell Food Institute and Dr. Lenore Newman from UFV's Food and Agriculture Institute will spearhead this collaboration. This union comes at a critical time, addressing urgent issues like climate change, food waste, food insecurity, and the need for skilled agricultural workers.
“One aspect of this partnership that I am so excited about is the potential to develop a national training platform to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders to help propel Canada on the global stage in terms of being the world leader in the production of safe, healthy and sustainable food,“ said Dr. Fraser.
“Agricultural technology is essential to Canada’s food security and we are at a critical point where we must secure and increase the global food supply,” commented Peter Dhillon, chairman of the board, Ocean Spray, and CEO of the Richberry Group Close collaboration between applied university research and industry is essential to supercharge the innovation ecosystem.”
The agreement prioritizes setting up accelerator workshops, establishing a national network of agricultural technology players, and funding research to bring new innovations to the market. The Abbotsford Tech District, an agricultural technology accelerator, has already shown support for these initiatives.
This partnership opens doors for knowledge-sharing, financing proposal development, educational programs, technology assessment, and on-farm and in-lab testing. It signifies a critical step towards Canada becoming an agri-food powerhouse, with a focus on practical, solution-oriented technologies for market adoption.
The U of G and UFV partnership marks a pivotal moment in Canadian agriculture, driving forward sustainable practices and technological advancements. This collaborative effort promises to reshape the future of food and farming in Canada, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous agri-food sector.