Supporting B.C.’s food security with new technology, training B.C. companies, research institutions advance food security through smart-farming systems

A new smart-farming project in Delta is helping strengthen food security for British Columbians, while two new training programs will ensure more people have the necessary skills to succeed in the growing agritech sector.

“With a changing climate and uncertainty from the U.S., it’s critical that two of British Columbia's greatest strengths, technology and agriculture, come together to ensure British Columbians can rely on healthy food grown here at home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Through our Look West plan, we are connecting innovators with industry partners to turn made-in-B.C. ideas into real-world solutions that create jobs and drive our economy forward in a sustainable future.”

With support from the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI), Delta-based Windset Farms is developing a new smart-farming system that automates decision-making with sensors that monitor plant stress and efficient greenhouse crop management.

By using advanced data analytics and machine learning, the project seeks to improve Windset’s production systems by optimizing:

• climate control
• nutrient uptake
• early disease detection in hydroponic tomatoes

“This partnership helps us develop advanced smart-farming systems that improve real-time greenhouse monitoring, optimize climate and nutrient management, and detect potential plant disease earlier,” said Tony Kalf, chief technology officer, Windset Farms. “These innovations allow us to make meaningful impacts through job creation, new business opportunities and by ensuring the security and stability of B.C.’s food supply. By optimizing the growing environment, we can create efficiencies while minimizing resource use, allowing us to consistently grow high-quality produce yearround.”