Rene Van Acker
Interim President & Vice-Chancellor,
University of Guelph
Collaboration between government, industry, and academia is the secret to unlocking Canada’s agri-food innovation, which will drive both economic growth and sustainability.
In 2017, Dominic Barton pointed to agriculture as one of the sectors with the highest potential to contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity. Our agri-food industry is positioned to add $30 billion to Canada’s economy while sequestering greenhouse gas emissions and providing nutritious food for the world’s growing population.
The potential for innovation in this sector is immense, but to realize it will require a collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of government, industry, and academia. This is the central message of a recent report from the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, which underscores the opportunity for Canada to lead in the development of agricultural innovations and recommends action from all stakeholders working in unison.
One of the key priorities in advancing agriculture and food innovation is helping agri-food technology (ag-tech) companies to scale up their operations. These companies are at the forefront of technological advancements that can revolutionize agriculture, from precision farming to advanced biotechnology. However, scaling these innovations requires more than just funding — it also demands a supportive ecosystem that includes mentorship, access to markets, and regulatory frameworks that encourage growth. By ensuring that ag-tech companies not only survive but thrive, we’ll drive innovation across the sector.
The future of the agri-food sector lies in our ability to collaborate and innovate.
Securing the future of agriculture
Another critical component of agri-food innovation is training the next generation of agricultural professionals. The future of agriculture depends on the skills and knowledge of those who will lead the sector, and the technological revolution on farms means new skills — from tech expertise to communication and leadership — will be required to succeed. Universities and colleges play a pivotal role, offering programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience and bringing together experts from across disciplines for collaborative problem-solving.
By collaborating with industry partners and leveraging the expertise of our academic institutions, we can de-risk investments and accelerate the development of new technologies. The University of Guelph (U of G) exemplifies this approach through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, our collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario. The alliance enables a strong research and innovation ecosystem, trains a future-ready workforce, and delivers solutions that are critical to the success of the agri-food sector.
Encouraging innovation
Universities have a unique role to play in this endeavour, serving as hubs of knowledge and innovation. By fostering partnerships with industry and government, we can create an environment that encourages cutting-edge research and development. And by engaging with the broader community, we can ensure that our innovations are inclusive and beneficial to all.
The future of the agri-food sector lies in our ability to collaborate and innovate. By driving forward a sector that’s both dynamic and resilient, we can ensure economic and environmental impact for all Canadians. But this will be possible only if we work together, leveraging the strengths of government, industry, and academia. Let us embrace this challenge with enthusiasm and determination, knowing that the solutions we create today will shape the future of agriculture for generations to come.
To learn more, visit uoguelph.ca.
