The advanced technology applies AI to identify weeds and other crop pests while passing over a field
Protein Industries Canada has announced development of AI-based spraying technology. (Credit: Ralph Leonard Poon from Pixabay)
Protein Industries Canada has announced the development of artificial intelligence (AI) based spraying technology, in a bid to help farmers efficiently control pests.
The CAD$26.2m ($19.8m) project will be led by Precision.ai, Sure Growth Solutions, Exceed Grain Marketing and Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan.
Protein Industries Canada is investing the CAD$12.8m ($9.6m), while the partners are together investing the remaining CAD$13.4m ($10.1m) into the project.
The advanced technology applies AI for the detection of weeds and other crop pests while passing over a field.
The new technology is being developed to particularly target pests when spraying fields, in addition to increasing efficiencies and offering economic benefits for farmers.
According to Protein Industries Canada, the new technology is expected to decrease pesticide use by up to 95% while maintaining crop yield, thereby enabling to save around $52 per acre for farmers per growing season.
The technology can also be added to upgrade new or existing sprayers, allowing to be used by all Canadian farmers.
The project is expected to create 120 new jobs
The new technology project is expected to create 120 new Canadian jobs within the next five years.
Canada innovation, science and industry minister Navdeep Bains said: “This new project supported by the Protein Supercluster is a great example of how the superclusters are bringing innovation to farming practices, using advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and creating new well-paying jobs.”
The technology, which is designed by Canadians for Canadian farmers, will help meet the requirements of the Canadian agriculture landscape.
In addition, the technology is suitable to use anywhere in the world, offering benefits for farmers across the world.
Precision.ai, Sure Growth Solutions, Exceed Grain Marketing and GIFS will expand on the project, once the technology is fully developed.
Commodities grown using the technology will be assessed for international maximum residue level (MRL) compliance and protein content.
Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel said: “Consumers want plant-protein products that were grown sustainably, without sacrificing on quality or economic value.
“This is particularly true in international trade where, despite Canada’s reputation as a supplier of high-quality agrifoods, our products are facing increasing testing.”
In May this year, the Government of Canada announced CAD$252m ($179.3m) to better support farmers, food businesses, and food processors during the Covid-19 pandemic.