AI Could Help Ontario Farmers Cut Chemical Herbicides by 50%

Canadians get nearly one quarter of their food from Ontario farmers—the same farmers who are on the front lines of national climate impacts. Our vulnerable agricultural sector is nevertheless a powerhouse—ensuring Canada’s food security with fertile soil and diverse climate, and supporting economic growth by employing one in nine Canadians and contributing seven percent of the country’s GDP.

It’s also capable of being a key driver in fostering the deployment of sustainable innovation that could benefit the global food supply. As the planet's weather patterns shift, AI and other innovative technologies will play a major role in mitigating some of this industry's biggest challenges, and ensure a steady food supply for Canadians.

AI-driven agtech software venture Geco, chosen as the winner of Foresight Canada and the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO)'s Sustainable Agtech for Profitability Challenge, exemplifies the potential for cleantech solutions to address these challenges. By reducing the need for chemical herbicides by 50% through predictive weed control, Geco demonstrates how integrating advanced technology into existing practices can enhance sustainability and productivity. Such innovations not only contribute to environmental stewardship but also support the broader goal of securing Canada's food supply in the face of changing climate conditions.

The Sustainable Agtech for Profitability Challenge, funded by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), launched in March 2024 with the goal of finding agtech solutions that improve decision-making and analysis of field crop farmers' operations, enabling optimized soil health, biodiversity, profitability, and overall sustainability management.

Addressing the Adoption Gap

Despite the numerous accelerators in North America, there remains a significant gap in adoption support for the net zero transition. Recognizing the need to bridge innovators with industry leaders, Foresight introduced the Industry Innovation Challenge program. To date, Foresight has conducted over 60 challenges, establishing itself as the only North American accelerator linking cleantech ventures with end-users. These targeted challenges aim to connect national and international buyers with innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability, thereby addressing the adoption gap for innovators.

In 2021, 48,346 farms were reported in Ontario, highlighting significant pilot and deployment opportunities for cleantech innovation. If innovators can team up with Canadian farmers through challenges like this one, together we can boost productivity while building resiliency, transparency, and security throughout Canada’s food supply chain.

Quotes

“Winning the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability: IFAO Challenge is a thrilling achievement for Geco, and it underscores our dedication to transforming control of weeds in field crop farming. We owe a huge thanks to the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO) and Foresight for their exceptional initiative in organizing this competition. Their thoughtful questions and thorough process have guided our innovation. With their support, Geco is forging ahead to provide predictive weed control for environmental and economic benefit. Here's to a future where our efforts together make a lasting impact!” — Greg Stewart, Founder and CEO, Geco

“With agriculture playing a vital role in growing Canada's economy and reaching our net zero targets, the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability Challenge was a crucial endeavour for the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario. We are thrilled to collaborate with Geco, who are bringing new solutions to agriculture that are better for the environment and for farmers’ bottom line.” — Tori Waugh, Executive Director, Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario

“FCC is proud to support Foresight and the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability challenge. Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, and by collaborating with forward-thinking groups like Foresight and the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario, we are committed to MARKETING@FORESIGHTCAC.COM @FORESIGHTCAC driving advancements in nutrient management, soil health, and productivity, ensuring a resilient future for Canada’s agricultural community." – Graeme Millen, Vice-President, FCC

“Agtech is essential for the future of Canadian agriculture, driving innovation and sustainability in the sector. By integrating advanced technologies, we can enhance productivity, improve resource management, and reduce environmental impact. This transformative potential positions agtech as a key driver in meeting the challenges of modern farming and ensuring long-term prosperity. The advancements we achieve today will lay the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in Canada.“ — Bonita Mathew, Foresight Canada Program Manager, agriNEXT