In Canada, the greenhouse industry has been experiencing the largest and fastest growth within the horticultural sector. Last year, the sale of Canadian greenhouse vegetables reached more than 1.4 billion dollars.
Confronted with important labor challenges in the agricultural sector, the Canadian government has decided to invest 5 million dollars in the automation component of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to be led by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Inc.
Indeed, the labor shortage could cost the industry up to 1.5 billion dollars in lost sales and productivity. The government hopes to reduce this cost by using automation, artificial intelligence and precise agricultural technologies in the horticultural sector.
"Our government is proud to support Vineland's innovative research, and we will continue to collaborate with Canadian growers and researchers to make sure that this sector remains at the forefront.", announced Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "This investment in automation will allow farms and greenhouses to operate smarter and to offer better quality jobs, while still meeting the growing demand for top-quality products from Canadians and consumers all around the world."
Source: L'avantage (Quebec)