CANADA – Protein Industries Canada has announced a CAD 7.4 million (US$5.6 million) co-investment into a new platform intended to increase the efficiency of farmer decision-making and expand Canada’s plant-protein market opportunities.
A further CAD 13.6 million (US$10.3 million) is being provided by digital agriculture solutions companies Farmers Edge and OPIsystems, who are leading the project.
Farmers Edge and OPIsystems are capturing farm-level data related to crop and storage health management. This data will be used to develop predictive models that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to help farmers enhance production practices, make better storage and marketing decisions, and therefore increase return on investment.
“The markets this platform could open for the plant protein sector is incredible to think about,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO, Bill Greuel.
“The markets this platform could open for the plant protein sector is incredible to think about,”
Bill Greuel – CEO, Protein Industries Canada
“From a single sign in, our buyers will be able to access all of the compliance information they need related to the plant protein commodities they’re buying. And our consumers can check in to rest assured the food they’re eating was produced in the manner they value most.”
Following the completion of the initial phase, Farmers Edge and OPIsystems will partner with the Standards Council of Canada to improve traceability along the plant protein value chain.
The partners will use a comprehensive digital platform, which leverages the data captured on farms, to show consumers and commercial customers how the products they’re buying were produced and managed.
When completed, the final products from both phases of the project are expected to provide full traceability along the entire plant protein value chain.
Farmers Edge CEO and co-founder, Wade Barnes, added: “We’re excited to work with OPIsystems, the federal government and Protein Industries Canada on this important project.
“The expertise OPIsystems brings in remote grain monitoring combined with our robust data sets, comprehensive platform and AI-driven technologies will forever transform the plant proteins sector, ensuring high-quality crop production and complete traceability from field to market.
“The value of data is priceless for growers and consumers alike; growers will be able to share verified crop records with a simple click, opening doors to new market opportunities, and consumers will gain transparency on the origin of their food, enhancing their level of trust with farms across Canada.”
Protein Industries Canada is a not-for-profit organisation created to help position Canada as a global source of high-quality plant protein. Together with its industry partners, it has invested more than CAD 163 million (US$123.9 million) into projects that will advance Canada’s plant protein sector.
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