Prime Highlights:
Dr. John Cranfield, Interim Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, stresses that the adoption of agriculture technology is crucial to enhancing Canada’s food security.
Technologies like vertical farming, field robotics, and soil data management are identified as essential to improving productivity, sustainability, and food security.
Key Background:
Ahead of Canadian Agriculture Day, Dr. John Cranfield, Interim Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, emphasized the critical role of agricultural technology in enhancing Canada’s food security. He argues that adopting advanced technology is key to building a more resilient and sustainable food system, particularly as the country faces challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, and global economic instability.
Dr. Cranfield, an agricultural economist, highlighted that the agricultural sector is foundational to Canada’s economy and food system. However, the sector is under increasing pressure from various factors, including unpredictable weather patterns, geopolitical uncertainties, and disruptions in global supply chains. As Canada aims to strengthen its food sovereignty and secure a stable food supply, Cranfield asserts that innovation through agri-tech must be a central focus in national discussions on food security.
Technologies such as vertical farming, field robotics, and advanced soil data management are emerging as key solutions to address these challenges. Dr. Cranfield points out that investment in these technologies not only drives sustainability but also enhances agricultural productivity. This, in turn, contributes to strengthening food security, which is of national importance and impacts all Canadians. “Agri-tech holds the potential to transform Canada’s agricultural landscape,” said Dr. Cranfield. “The adoption of these technologies is essential to building a food system that is both resilient to climate pressures and capable of feeding an ever-growing population.”
Cranfield also called for greater governmental support for agri-tech research, development, and infrastructure. He stressed the need for policies that foster innovation in the agricultural sector, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of agricultural technology. By investing in these advancements, he argued, Canada can secure a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations. As the country works to address its food security challenges, Cranfield’s message is clear: the future of agriculture in Canada hinges on the widespread adoption of technological innovations that can both increase efficiency and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This focus on agri-tech, he concludes, is an investment in Canada’s long-term economic and social stability.
