Agri-solar organization joins Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine

Guelph,  – A not-for-profit dedicated to promoting ‘farmer first’ solar installations has become a Knowledge and Development Partner in Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine.

Agrivoltaics Canada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bioenterprise Canada to join the Engine and its national network of advisors, resources and mentors focused on supporting agri-food innovation and helping start-up businesses and entrepreneurs successfully enter the marketplace.

Agrivoltaics Canada champions the innovative approach of farm-first solar, agri-solar, or dual-use solar which involves installing solar panels above agricultural fields. The practice allows land to be used for both agricultural production and renewable energy generation concurrently, thereby providing farmers with additional revenue streams. 

“Dual-use solar is an exciting new field that offers benefits to both farmers and Canadians at large and we’re excited to have Agrivoltaics Canada as part of the Engine,” says Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “By joining forces with Agrivoltaics Canada, we’ll be able to bring together businesses and organizations nationwide who are pushing the envelope on agri-tech innovation.” 

Agrivoltaics Canada supports the growth of agrivoltaics through advocacy, best practices, crop and generation measurements, new technologies, and policy development. By joining the Engine, the organization is keen to make connections with other innovators across Canada and open the Engine’s expertise and services up to its members. 

“By joining the Bioenterprise network, we hope to extend our reach and spread the concept of agrivoltaics through the ag tech community,” says Patrick Gossage, President of Agrivoltaics Canada. “We are also looking to collaborate on cutting edge projects taking place through Canada’s smart farm network that are moving the needle on innovation, ag tech and renewable energy.”