British Columbia is strengthening its food security and agricultural innovation through a new smart-farming project and two training programs focused on agritech skills. These initiatives support local food production while helping workers prepare for careers in a growing technology-driven agriculture 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 BC Centre for Agritech Innovation, a greenhouse producer in Delta is developing an advanced smart-farming system. The project uses sensors, data analytics, and machine learning to monitor plant stress and automate greenhouse decision-making. The system aims to improve climate control, nutrient efficiency, and early disease detection in hydroponic tomato production. By optimizing growing conditions, the technology improves efficiency while reducing resource use and supporting consistent, year-round food production.
“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 year-round.”
The project is being delivered in partnership with universities and technology companies, including Simon Fraser University and international research collaborators. It builds on earlier research cooperation focused on sustainable agriculture, climate challenges, and food production.
In addition to technology development, new training programs are helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions. Through Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a new program is teaching dry-farming techniques. Dry farming uses agro-ecological practices to grow crops with little or no added water. The program brings together farmers, industry groups, and extension specialists to improve soil health, collect data, and promote drought-resilient crop systems.
“BCCAI’s support, along with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, enables us to establish collaborative dry-farming extension, applied research and demonstration projects on three farms,” said Kent Mullinix, director of KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems. “We’re engaging dozens of farmers, professionals and students on soil health, agro-ecology, soil and weather data collection, and advancing drought-resilient farming.”
Another training initiative led by the University of the Fraser Valley focuses on robotic weeding technology. Weeds reduce crop yields by competing for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This program demonstrates how robotic weeders can reduce labor needs, limit herbicide use, and improve sustainability in fruit and vegetable production.
Together, the three projects represent an investment of about $658,000 from public and industry partners. More than 350 people are expected to receive advanced training in horticulture, regenerative agriculture, data management, and agri-business. The initiatives will also support job creation, commercialization of new technologies, and a more resilient food system.
“B.C.-developed technology is helping our farmers increase production and make our food supply more resilient to climate change,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Using the latest tech to monitor plant growth and health, as well as maximize water and nutrient efficiency, is resulting in more sustainably grown, local food being produced for B.C. families and a better bottom line for farmers.”