Thirteen B.C. agritech firms are getting $658,000 in government grants to help them with their innovations, under the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
The government grants are matched by industry, which brings the total investment the 13 companies will receive to $2 million, according to the B.C. ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The funding was announced today at the 2024 Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford, which runs from Jan. 25 to 27.
Projects being funded include innovations that address challenges for food producers, including pest management and soil health.
The ministry said the 13 projects being funded are expected to support advanced training in agricultural sciences for 142 people, and create 76 new jobs.
One of the companies receiving funding is BW Global Structures Incorporated, which builds high-tech greenhouses.
The company will receive $288,000 for a project that aims to adapt outdoor plant varieties for greenhouse conditions and optimize cultivation techniques to produce crops year-round.
"Our work addresses the very serious food, energy and water security issues facing B.C. and Canada, including remote and First Nations communities," Timothy Kendrick, president and chief designer at BW Global, said in a news release.
"With the support from BCCAI and the B.C. and federal governments, we believe that BW Global can quickly deploy these world-class technology solutions to every part of the world."
"Developing a strong agritech industry is critical to building a sustainable food supply, as well as contributing to new jobs and economic growth for communities in B.C.," said Pam Alexis, B.C. minister of Agriculture and Food.
"By supporting innovative new ideas through the BCCAI, our government is making it easier for local tech companies to work with the agriculture industry and support farmers with the tools and technologies they need to be successful and ensure we have more locally grown food on the tables of British Columbians."
