In a groundbreaking announcement on September 27, 2023, Area X.O, the research and development hub for next-generation smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity, in conjunction with Farm Credit Canada (FCC), unveiled an extended partnership that promises to revolutionize agri-tech innovation, adoption, and its impact on Canadian farmers, the agricultural sector, and the nation’s economy.
Over the course of their four-year collaboration, FCC has committed to expanding its support for the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert, in a partnership that will span three more years. This enhanced alliance is set to deliver multiple key benefits:
- Strengthened Capabilities: The Ottawa Smart Farm, now re-branded and powered by AgExpert, will receive substantial support to boost its capabilities. This includes state-of-the-art communication systems, advanced AI and data analytics, and a secure, 100-acre farmland and demonstration area. This robust infrastructure empowers smart agriculture and data-driven decision-making, promising improved productivity, performance, and profitability for producers.
- AgTech Acceleration: The partnership aims to provide agtech innovators, companies, and producers with resources to accelerate their research and development, facilitating the adoption of new solutions. This, in turn, can lead to the commercialization of agricultural technologies that enhance productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability for producers.
- Inspiring the Next Generation: By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the FCC-Area X.O partnership will inspire and nurture the next generation of agtech talent and producers. This will contribute to the growth of Canada’s agricultural industry.
- Regional and National Collaboration: The collaboration will also catalyze greater regional and national innovation, encouraging the exchange of best practices and knowledge among researchers, companies, producers, and smart farms across the country.
This partnership signifies a significant step towards the development, commercialization, and application of new agricultural technologies designed to enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. The Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert is at the heart of this transformation, offering access to cutting-edge resources and technologies.
One of the most notable aspects of this development is the expansion of the FCC’s support for smart farms across Canada. By uniting smart farms in Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, and the Ottawa Smart Farm, the collaboration aims to address critical agricultural challenges such as rising farming and food costs, climate change, and the long-term sustainability of the industry. It also opens doors to new learning, innovation opportunities, and the creation of future farms essential for sustaining generations of Canadians.
In the words of Michael Tremblay, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, “Together, we are creating agricultural solutions, companies, and jobs for the future.”
The Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert, situated within Area X.O, not only facilitates innovation but also supports economic and environmental goals for the city of Ottawa. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe highlighted the unique advantage of Ottawa’s mix of urban and rural land and its substantial agricultural sector, which can leverage millions of dollars in technologies to address major agricultural challenges.
The contributions of partners like GPS Ontario and uOttawa further illustrate the potential of this partnership. Their research has led to new farming practices that can reduce fertilizer usage by 33%, increase yields by 30%, and reduce carbon emissions by 90%, a game-changer for the industry.
The enhanced FCC-Area X.O partnership promises a new era of innovation, economic growth, and problem-solving in Canadian agriculture. With access to cutting-edge technologies, knowledge, and collaboration, the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert and its partners are set to make a profound impact on the agricultural industry, ensuring its long-term profitability and sustainability.
For more information please visit Invest Ottawa.
