Canadian farmers and agri-food businesses are finding new ways to reduce environmental impact while keeping agriculture strong and competitive. To support this progress, the Government of Canada is investing in clean technology by working with non-profit agtech organizations across the country.
Up to $30 million will be provided over the next two years through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program Research and Innovation Stream Accelerator. The announcement was shared by Danielle Martin, Member of Parliament for University–Rosedale, representing Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
This funding will support start-ups and agri-food groups that are developing and demonstrating clean technologies designed for real farm use. These technologies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving productivity and sustainability.
“By forging meaningful partnerships and investing in these six ACT Accelerator projects, we continue to empower innovators across the country to develop and scale the clean technologies that will keep our farms competitive and our environment healthy for generations to come,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Six trusted non-profit organizations will lead funding distribution and manage project applications. These include Bioenterprise Canada Corporation, Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network, Canadian Food Innovation Network, MaRS Discovery District, Ontario Genomics, and Zone Agtech. Each group supports collaboration between researchers, technology developers, and farmers.
“We are proud to support MaRS Discovery District as they help bring clean technology solutions to farmers, food producers, and agtech innovators across the country. By encouraging collaboration between technology creators and businesses that use these technologies, our plan through this project is to show how working together can lead to positive change and growth in the agtech industry,” said Danielle Martin, Member of Parliament for University–Rosedale.
The funded projects will help bring innovative tools to farms, making it easier for producers to adopt cleaner and more efficient systems. The ACT Program also supports Canada’s long-term climate goals, including reducing national emissions by 45 to 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2035.
Overall, this initiative strengthens small farms and agri-businesses while supporting a healthier environment and a more sustainable food system.