Southern Alberta’s agriculture industry has long been rooted in the resilience and innovative nature of its farmers and ranchers. They have been admired for their creative problem-solving for more than a century and today even more inventive, and sometimes futuristic, agriculture technology solutions are emerging. Farmers, ranchers and the entire agribusiness industry in southern Alberta are embracing advanced technology to solve problems.

Ag tech is the umbrella term for innovative solutions in the food-production process, notably in the form of precision farming for efficiency, improving food safety, taking the guesswork out of food production and in turn making the entire process more sustainable and cost-effective. The sector’s long-term growth is tied to the need to keep pace with the demand to feed a world population of more than seven billion. That global challenge is presenting opportunities for more investment and room for innovation.

An opportunity-rich province and industry

Alberta’s agriculture products are exported to more than 150 countries, with exports more than doubling over the last 10 years. The industry in Alberta also now accounts for more than 21 per cent of all Canadian agri-food exports, contributes $9.2 billion in gross domestic product and employs more than 77,000 Albertans.  Technological innovations have helped farmers do more with less, increase efficiency, and reduce their environmental impact. The technology continues to improve farmers’ bottom line and contributes to their increasing yields sustainably. With ag tech critical to the agribusiness industry, attracting tech entrepreneurs and emerging talent to the agribusiness ecosystem is key to its growth.

Advanced technology grown in Alberta

Organizations of all sizes from startups to multinational corporations have partnered with Olds College in this cutting-edge, hands-on learning environment where students are seeing how the innovative solutions they help create are making a real-world impact. Olds College also launched the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology, which is fostering the next generation of agricultural innovators. Providing students with the foundation for a future-focused career in agriculture, the school will deliver new ag tech programs including the Precision Agriculture Techgronomy Diploma and Agriculture Technology Integration Post-Diploma Certificate.

A tech talent hub

Many variables, especially inconsistent and fluctuating weather, can play a factor in farming success. Technology, harnessing AI and digital technology to solve problems such as safe and secure food production, Calgary is becoming a hub for emerging technologies, and it is thanks to being home to one of the highest concentration of high-tech workers among Canadian cities. While Calgary already boasts a burgeoning tech ecosystem, finding and attracting tech talent is still key to the ag tech sector planting the right seeds for growth.

Media Contact
David Paul
Managing Editor
Journal of Food and Clinical Nutrition