Protein Industries Canada Launches $15 Million in Genomics and AI Programs to Strengthen Canada’s Agrifood Sector
As reported by globe news wire, a strategic $15 million investment has been announced by Protein Industries Canada to increase the country’s agrifood sector through an advancement in genomics and Artificial intelligence (AI). The funding is made by the Government of Canada and aims to enhance the crop developments. The second aim is to improve food safety and also optimize supply chains. The idea supports the Canada’s goal of achieving $25 billion in annual plant-based food and ingredients sales by 2035.
Genomics Stream: Advancing Crop Development
The $7 million Genomics Stream is focused on the use of genomic tools in plant breeding to bring new crop varieties to market, with an emphasis on pulse and cereal crops. Agri-Food Canada wants to provide farmers with high-performing crop options where other crop varieties lack functionality and resilience under multiple climate pressures. Through plant breeding and variety development, Agri-Food Canada wants to elevate Canada's position closer to optimal on the global agrifood stage.
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Artificial Intelligence Stream: Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability
The stream, worth $8 million, supports Protein Industries Canada's existing AI initiatives. There is support for projects that develop AI-driven tools for various applications. The tools could help in seeding genetic work, supply chain optimization, on-farm data collection, quality assurance, and food safety protocols.
CEO of Protein Industries Canada Robert Hunter said, “This new investment will deliver value across the entire supply chain, starting with enhanced genetics that improve crop functionality and provide farmers with more resilient, high-performing options,” which helps to understand that technology also aims to increase on-farm productivity and sustainability, providing efficiency to the agrifood sector.
