Agritech projects plant seeds for B.C. job growth, food security
February 1, 2024
New agritech projects funded through the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) are supporting more learning opportunities, new jobs and the creation of technologies that will strengthen production of local food.
Announced at the 2024 Pacific Agriculture Show, 13 new projects represent a total investment of $2 million, including $658,000 from the BCCAI matched by industry. These projects will focus on solving critical challenges facing food producers, including soil health, pest and pathogen management, as well as supporting Indigenous food sovereignty and creating more training opportunities in agritech to build a more sustainable economy.
The funding includes a $288,000 project with BW Global Structures Incorporated for its project that will pioneer innovative methods to grow new, high-value, outdoor field crops within its cutting-edge and purpose-built sealed greenhouses.
“Our work addresses the very serious food, energy and water security issues facing B.C. and Canada, including remote and First Nations communities,” said Timothy D. Kendrick president and chief designer, BW Global. “With the support from BCCAI and the B.C. and federal governments, we believe that BW Global can quickly deploy these world-class technology solutions to every part of the world.”
The project aims to adapt outdoor plant varieties for greenhouse conditions and to develop optimized cultivation techniques for their intensive year-round production leading to more B.C. grown food and approximately 16 new jobs in Abbotsford.
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