ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Invest Ottawa and Algonquin College join forces to propel agricultural innovation at Ottawa Smart Farm Powered by AgExpert

Invest Ottawa, lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries, and Algonquin College, announced, on May 16, a strategic partnership that will enable new agricultural innovation, research and science at the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert (Farm Credit Canada's whole farm management system), located at Area X.O. Building on shared goals, this new partnership will directly support agtech R&D led by researchers, companies and producers, helping to fuel the future adoption of new solutions and their impact on farmers. These emerging innovations will further increase the sustainability, profitability and productivity of producers, and our agriculture sector as a whole.

Harnessing the collective expertise and resources of both partners, this collaboration drives the continued evolution of the Ottawa Smart Farm, established by Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa, with critical support from Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

"We are extremely excited about this new partnership," said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President, and CEO. "This is a unique opportunity to share our expertise with an important local industry while also collaborating in a meaningful way that will offer a unique experience to our students. We look forward to teaming up with Invest Ottawa and the Ottawa Smart Farm, powered by AgExpert to bring about real changes and improvements in agricultural science and research."

The partnership with Algonquin College will build upon the capabilities at the Ottawa Smart Farm, powered by AgExpert, and further expand the R&D undertaken at the agtech smart farm.

"It is an honour to collaborate with Algonquin College on our shared objectives at the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert," said Sonya Shorey, Interim President, and CEO, Invest Ottawa. "Leveraging Algonquin's exceptional research talent, agricultural science expertise and strong local producer and industry relationships, we will fuel new agtech discoveries and solutions. This will directly support the development, commercialization and application of new technologies that can help increase the productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability of producers and fuel the competitiveness of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector."

Algonquin College's expertise in applied research and agricultural science will make a significant contribution to the program's success, providing practical solutions to everyday issues, addressing modern challenges and creating new and innovative products, services, and results.

In conjunction with the Business-Agriculture program at Algonquin College's Perth Campus and the Office of Applied Research, two specialists will be dedicated to the initiative, including a certified crop advisor (agronomist) and an agri-business leader. These specialists will play integral roles in the program, undertaking a wide range of responsibilities including recommending crops, seeds, fertilizer, soil amendments and other inputs, scouting crops for pests and diseases and providing essential support to researchers to meet research or project objectives. This will be in addition to incorporating technology to develop new ways of working, including autonomous tractors, drones to monitor crops and AI to predict greenhouse gas emissions and crop yields.

Leveraging critical support from the City of Ottawa and FCC, Invest Ottawa has established unique capabilities at the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert. One of only four anchor smart farms in FCC's national network, the R&D site provides producers, innovators, and firms with access to leading technologies, resources, and expertise, including:

• one of the world's most advanced communications test systems;
• state-of-the-art AI and data analytic technologies;
• 100 acres of secure, completely gated farmland and demonstration area; and
• the highest concentration of tech talent per capita in North America (CBRE).

These capabilities empower smart agriculture and data-driven decision-making, boosting the productivity, performance and profitability of producers. These resources help to:

• accelerate the development, commercialization, and application of new agtech solutions;
• catalyze fresh global market opportunities for agtech innovators, startups, and companies; and foster the creation of new agtech products, companies, and jobs in the nation's capital.

The partnership will provide greater support for researchers, entrepreneurs and producers, and further contribute to local, national and global sustainability goals and priorities such as food safety, security and climate change. This collaborative approach will facilitate the expansion of research initiatives, support for local entrepreneurs and enhancement of contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

About the Ottawa Smart Farm Powered by AgExpert

Established by Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa at Area X.O in 2020, the Ottawa Smart Farm powered by AgExpert empowers producers and innovators to create, test, demonstrate, and commercialize new agricultural technologies. These include autonomous tractors, drones and advanced robotics, the Internet of Things, sensors and data analytics, and advanced communications, and other related technologies. These emerging solutions can help producers improve crop yield and quality, optimize production efficiency and costs, reduce waste and carbon emissions from agricultural operations, enhance food safety and security, and strengthen overall farm management, performance, and productivity. For additional information, please visit: https://areaxo.com/smart-agriculture/