Image: L. Gomes / PML / Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

By Laurice Gomes

Agriculture

New B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation will help improve food security, while creating employment

Jul 21, 2022 | 12:59 PM

ABBOTSFORD – A new B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation was announced by the province on Thursday morning—a commitment of the StrongerBC Economic Plan.

The new centre will be located at Simon Fraser University (Surrey campus) and will bring together academia, government, and industry partners with the intent to improve food security in B.C. and worldwide, while creating employment.

Dr. Joy Johnson, president and vice-chancellor of Simon Fraser University, said the centre will improve the lives of people across the province by accelerating research and development of new technologies in the agritech space.

“I am thrilled to see the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation providing strong support for this important work,” she said.

Image: L. Gomes / PML / Dr. Joy Johnson, president and vice-chancellor, Simon Fraser University (SFU).

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Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, said the past two years have been challenging ones for British Columbians as the pandemic, climate-related emergencies and global conflicts have disrupted supply chains and raised the cost of food.

“Launching this BC Centre for Agritech Innovation will improve productivity here in B.C., meaning more food will be grown closer to home, leading to lower costs associated with transporting food,” Kahlon expanded.

The province is investing $6.5 million over three years in the centre, while the federal government is providing $10 million over five years through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

“PacifiCan is committed to supporting innovative partnerships that help B.C. agritech companies commercialize their technologies and create cleaner, more productive agriculture, food, and seafood industries,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. “Investments in high-growth industries, such as the agritech sector, help develop skills and local talent, positioning British Columbia as a world leader in innovation.”

The investment is expected to create nearly 200 jobs and help train more than 700 workers, while adding 30 new agritech projects throughout the province by 2025.

The centre which will officially open in September, has begun taking applications from small and medium-sized agritech operations throughout the province.