BioEnterprise Canada has launched a national roundtable series aimed at identifying and unlocking Canada's potential as a global agri-food powerhouse. The initiative kicked off in Calgary on April 29 with the first of seven provincial and territorial roundtables aimed at identifying and understanding the barriers preventing Canadian food and ag tech entrepreneurs from commercializing their innovations. (Photo: Business Wire)
National roundtable series kicks off in Calgary, study results to be presented in Ottawa this fall
GUELPH, Ontario, May 27, 2024–( BUSINESS WIRE )–BioEnterprise Canada has launched a national roundtable series aimed at identifying and unlocking Canada’s potential as a global agri-food superpower. The effort kicked off in Calgary on April 29 with the first of seven provincial and territorial roundtables to identify and understand the barriers preventing Canadian food and ag tech entrepreneurs from commercializing their innovations.
According to Bloomberg, Canada ranks 9th in the world in spending on agricultural research, but only 21st in turning that research into practical, marketable innovations.
“We believe the key to closing the agri-food innovation gap is to understand the challenges that exist in our regions, provinces and territories so we can develop a national strategy that addresses these barriers while simultaneously scaling up successful local programs and initiatives,” said Dave Smerdon, CEO of BioEnterprise Canada. “Canada is a vast and diverse country, and our agri-food industry is multifaceted, so it's important we find ways to create more efficient, collaborative resources and support programs that help our sector, our economy and our country thrive.”
BioEnterprise, Canada's food and agriculture technology engine, with the support of partners Bennett Jones LLP, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Canada Farm Credit Union, is driving the creation of a better, more inclusive national agri-food innovation environment.
In this project, you will:
It analyses and connects the complex network of interacting organizations and their respective services in the agri-food sector in each region and identifies gaps in the ecosystem.
It provides recommendations to effectively translate Canada's research excellence into practical, marketable solutions and enhance Canada's competitiveness in the global agri-food sector.
It will foster collaboration across the existing national network of commercialisation accelerators by facilitating the open sharing of knowledge, resources and best practices.
It convenes industry leaders in a process to identify and address specific barriers to innovation, ensuring that subsequent policies and strategies are informed and impactful.
“Canada's potential to become a global agri-food powerhouse is rooted in our abundant natural resources, leading research institutions and strong focus on sustainable agricultural practices,” said Lorelei Graham, partner and head of the Agricultural Industry team at Bennett Jones. “We are proud to support this effort to successfully commercialize agri-food innovations and keep those companies in Canada, which will drive economic growth, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to food security.”
The story continues
The project will continue with events with stakeholders from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, culminating in the Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Ottawa this fall.
Expected outputs of the project include an innovation ecosystem roadmap of key resources and stakeholders in each region, a comprehensive insight report outlining the challenges and opportunities identified during the roundtable, policy recommendations to improve the commercialization process and reduce regulatory barriers, a strategic action plan and framework to improve collaboration between industry, government, academia and other stakeholders, and regional-level best practices and case studies that can be applied nationwide.
Funding for this project was provided in part by Agriculture-Food Canada, Bennett Jones LLP, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Farm Credit Canada.
About BioEnterprise Canada
Bioenterprise is Canada's food and ag technology engine and a national commercialization accelerator focused on agricultural technologies. Leveraging more than 20 years of industry experience and a global network of experts, mentors, funders, researchers and industry partners, Bioenterprise helps small and medium-sized agri-food businesses connect, innovate and grow.
About Bennett Jones
Bennett Jones LLP is an internationally recognized Canadian law firm that clients across Canada and around the world turn to for their most complex legal issues. With 500 lawyers and business advisors in offices across Canada and internationally, the firm works with some of Canada's largest and most successful companies. The firm's team is known for its ability to deliver an exceptional client experience, in-depth knowledge of its clients' businesses and industries, and a track record of building long-lasting client relationships.
About the Canadian Federation of Agriculture
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture was founded in 1935 as a unified voice representing Canadian farmers. Its work continues today as a farmer-funded national umbrella organization, made up of provincial integrated agricultural organizations and national and interprovincial commodity groups. CFA represents producers of all commodities on farms of all sizes and, through its members, represents approximately 190,000 farmers across Canada.
About the FCC
FCC is proud to be 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food. Our employees are committed to the long-term success of the people who produce and process Canada's food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complementary range of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits in the industry and the communities we serve.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527582938/en/
contact address
Dave Smerdon, BioEnterprise Canada
dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca or (519) 821-2960
Lorelei Graham, Bennett Jones
grahaml@bennettjones.com or (416) 777-6547
