Innovation and technology

Last updated on February 21, 2024

A range of programs are offered by government, as well as agencies, research institutions and industry organizations, to support innovation and technology for the agriculture and food sector.

Innovation can be a solution to overcoming obstacles or barriers to the growth and success of agriculture and food businesses. B.C.’s globally recognized competitive advantages, including its diverse agricultural landscape, variety of commodities, agriculture and food experts, thriving tech sector and strong research community are yielding emerging opportunities for the development, adoption and commercialization of new technologies and innovations.

Ministry programs

Explore programs that support businesses with technology adoption. Please also visit the ministry’s programs webpage to see a list of other programs and services related to farming, ranching and processing.

 

BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program 

The BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program provides cost-shared funding to eligible participants to adopt new technologies on-farm that will enhance profitability, productivity and/or efficiency. 

 

Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program 

The Beneficial Management Practices Programs provides cost-shared funding to assist farm and ranch operations to mitigate high-risk activities or emerging challenges by promoting agricultural sustainability, climate mitigation and climate adaption practices that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

 

Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTT) 

The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program provides cost-shared reimbursement to support knowledge transfer events for B.C. producers and food processors. The objective of KTT is to increase the competitiveness, resiliency and innovation of the agriculture and food sector through facilitated knowledge and technology transfer.

 

Traceability Adoption (TA) Program

The Traceability Adoption program offers up to $16,000 in cost-shared funding to individual food, seafood and agriculture businesses to implement facility-based traceability practices, systems, infrastructure and technologies. Funding is also available for training and consulting services. 

 

Other programs, services and supports

Explore programs and initiatives supported by the provincial and federal government that help address key challenges facing B.C.’s agriculture and food sector while continuing to foster innovation, growth, and industry development in various sectors.  

 

AgriInnovate Program

The AgriInnovate Program aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural and agrifood sector by providing repayable contributions to incent targeted commercialization, demonstration and/or adoption of innovative technologies and processes.  

 

Agritech Concierge Program

The Agritech Concierge Program  provides government support for agritech businesses to access support services that can help them grow, diversify, access new markets and attract investment opportunities. 

 

B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI)

BCCAI connects small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agritech sector with academic researchers, government and industry partners to develop technology solutions that build resilient supply chains and generate global solutions for food security and climate change. BCCAI is funded by the Province of B.C.,  with an investment of $6.5 million over three years, and Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), with an investment of $10 million over five years. BCCAI is led by SFU in collaboration with B.C. universities including the University of Fraser Valley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

 

BC Food Hub Network

The BC Food Hub Network (the Network) aims to foster growth and innovation in the processing sector through improved industry access to facilities, equipment, technology, technical services and business supports. The Network model is being developed in collaboration with industry, communities and post-secondary institutions. It is an innovative approach that is intended to build provincial food and beverage processing while serving the regional and sector diversity of the province.

The BC Food Hub Network is comprised of fourteen regional food processing and innovation hubs (“food hubs”) that work together to advance the agriculture, seafood and commercial food processing sectors by providing shared-use kitchen and production space in urban and rural communities. The Network also includes the Endowed Food and Beverage Innovation Professorship at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus.

 

B.C.-Netherlands Action Plan

The Province of B.C. and the Netherlands signed a two-year action plan, in May 2022, to explore collaborative opportunities in agricultural technology. The actions in this agreement will benefit each jurisdiction’s economies to create stronger, more resilient food systems for future generations.

 

Canadian Agri-food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

CAAIN is a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting the agri-food sector by funding research and innovation in automation, robotics, data-driven decision-making, the validation of emerging knowledge and technology. CAAIN bridges the gap between agri-food companies and technology firms, fostering collaboration, and facilitating the development of smart farm networks to validate and demonstrate innovative products for both domestic and international markets.

 

Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

CFIN is dedicated to transforming the foodtech landscape by funding innovative projects, fostering collaboration and building a vibrant community of food and beverage professionals. With a focus on Smart Product & Process Development, Food Ecosystem Sustainability, and Agile & Safe Supply Chains, CFIN connects the Canadian food and beverage ecosystem to new ideas and technologies, aiming to position Canada as a global leader in food innovation.

 

DIGITAL Supercluster

DIGITAL is an independent, not-for-profit organization created to accelerate R&D investment, technology adoption and the reskilling of Canadian talent by introducing a new type of innovation model that is led by industry. Through industry-led innovation, cross-industry collaboration and a focus on creating a digitally skilled workforce, DIGITAL aims to contribute to Canada’s vision of leading the global digital landscape and unlocking the potential of its citizens in its digital age.

 

Innovate BC

Innovate BC is a Crown agency that helps to connect innovators both large and small with provincial government funding, tools, resources and support. They are in business to serve and celebrate innovation in B.C., helping industries grow, while ensuring people throughout the province benefit from our thriving tech sector.

 

 

Contact information

B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation
Email: bc_cai@sfu.ca

AgriService BC
Phone: 1 888 221-7141
Email: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca