Canada Directs $2.2M Into AI for Fungicide Timing and On-Farm Grain Inventory

Protein Industries Canada is investing up to $2.2 million into two artificial intelligence projects aimed at improving farm-level decision-making in Western Canada. One project focuses on predicting Ascochyta blight risk in pulse crops, enabling growers to determine when to scout and spray fungicides. The second project involves developing a drone and LiDAR system to measure grain volumes in on-farm bins, reducing the need for manual processes and providing producers with actionable insights for better inventory management.

These projects align with Protein Industries Canada's goal of building Canada's plant-based food, feed, and ingredient sector into a $25 billion industry. By investing in AI technologies that work on farms, in the field, and throughout the value chain, the organization aims to advance innovation in agriculture and position Canada as a leader in the global market. CEO Tyler Groeneveld highlights the importance of AI as a foundational tool for the future of agriculture, emphasizing the opportunity for Canada to leverage innovation for practical solutions in the industry.