Protein Industries Canada invests in new technology platform

Protein Industries Canada has announced an investment in a new technology platform designed to support and enhance farmer decision-making and expand the country’s plant-protein market opportunities.

The C$21m ($15.9m) project is led by Farmers Edge and OPIsystems with a co-investment from Protein Industries Canada.

For this project, Farmers Edge and OPIsystems will be making a joint investment of C$13.6m ($10.2m) while the remaining C$7.4m ($5.6m) investment will be provided by Protein Industries Canada.

Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel said: “The markets this platform could open for the plant-protein sector is incredible to think about.

“From a single sign-in, our buyers will be able to access all of the compliance information they need related to the plant-protein commodities they’re buying. And our consumers can check in to rest assured the food they’re eating was produced in the manner they value most.”

Farmers Edge delivers solutions powered by a combination of field-centric data, artificial intelligence, and complete integration. On the other hand, OPIsystems makes use of advanced technologies to help producers by offering various methods to dry, condition and store grain to optimise quality as well as reducing energy consumption and spoilage losses.

The farm-level data captured by Farmers Edge and OPIsystems will support the development of predictive models that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help farmers in increasing production practices, as well as make better storage and marketing decisions.

The platform will allow consumers and trade partners to trace how the products they’re buying were produced and managed.

Once implemented, the project is expected to provide full traceability along the entire plant-protein value chain and create nearly 200 new Canadian jobs by 2025.

Farmers Edge CEO and co-founder Wade Barnes said: “We’re excited to work with OPIsystems, the federal government and Protein Industries Canada on this important project.

“The expertise OPIsystems brings in remote grain monitoring combined with our robust data sets, comprehensive platform and AI-driven technologies will forever transform the plant-proteins sector, ensuring high-quality crop production and complete traceability from field to market.

“The value of data is priceless for growers and consumers alike; growers will be able to share verified crop records with a simple click, opening doors to new market opportunities, and consumers will gain transparency on the origin of their food, enhancing their level of trust with farms across Canada.”

In June, Protein Industries Canada, Roquette and Prairie Fava agreed to invest in a collaborative research and development (R&D) project to help advance the country’s plant protein ecosystem.