Much has evolved in the agricultural sector, as illustrated by the experiences of Quinton Gibson, a seventh-generation apple farmer from Gibson Farms in Newcastle, Ontario. The farm, situated an hour east of Toronto, spans 121 406 hectares. Reflecting on the past, Gibson notes a shift from reliance on experience and intuition to data-driven decision-making in farming practices. Modern techniques such as soil samples and leaf sap analysis tests are now employed to fine-tune fertilizer and nutrient applications. Additionally, Gibson Farms utilizes an AI-powered camera system developed by Toronto-based Vivid Machines Inc., which aids in monitoring plant health and optimizing fruit production through targeted thinning.
Vivid Machines, co-founded by Jenny Lemieux, represents a segment of Canada's agriculture technology (agtech) innovators aiming to enhance yield, reduce costs, and lower emissions. The Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph highlights the potential of such technologies to unlock significant economic opportunities for Canada, addressing job vacancies and contributing to emission reduction targets. Lemieux emphasizes the importance of efficiency and food security, facilitated by the integration of technology in farming. The collaboration between agtech companies and farmers is crucial for data collection and model development, with Canadian farmers playing a key role in the evolution of these technologies.
Government support through grants from organizations like the National Research Council and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs bolsters the agtech sector. Canada's established agriculture and competitive technology sectors provide a fertile ground for innovation.
The adoption of technology in agriculture, including AI, drone technology, and automated systems, is rapidly advancing, offering promising prospects for addressing challenges in food production, sustainability, and farm management across Canada.
Source: The Globe and Mail