(SeaPRwire) –   EDMONTON, AB, May 8, 2026 – Canadian agricultural businesses are at the forefront of developing new solutions to decrease emissions and enhance agricultural resilience. The Government of Canada is backing this initiative by collaborating with Canadian non-profit agtech organizations to assist science-focused small and medium-sized enterprises in creating innovative technologies that foster economic growth while safeguarding the environment.

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, declared support of up to $6,250,000 in funding for the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) under the Agricultural Clean Technology Program Research and Innovation Stream – Accelerator (ACT Accelerator). This investment forms part of the total $30 million distributed through the ACT Accelerator. CAAIN is one of six not-for-profit organizations that will finance projects aimed at advancing the development of clean technology for adoption in agriculture across Canada. Earlier today, Danielle Martin, Member of Parliament for University–Rosedale, announced the full ACT Accelerator investment of up to $30 million, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

With backing from the ACT Accelerator, CAAIN will further allocate funding to Canadian companies through its Clean Agtech Validation and Integration Program. This will expand CAAIN’s smart farm network and concentrate on technologies that are already advanced, helping them progress to the final stages before full implementation. It will also enhance how these technologies are tested on farms, making it simpler for farmers to trust and adopt them. Additionally, CAAIN will support these companies’ growth by offering assistance, mentorship, and access to a robust network.

This ACT Accelerator investment will help ensure that Canadian producers and agri-food businesses gain access to a broader array of advanced technologies, contributing to a more competitive and climate-friendly sector.

Quotes

“By establishing meaningful partnerships and investing in CAAIN’s Clean Agtech Validation and Integration Program, we continue to empower innovators nationwide to develop and scale the clean technologies that will maintain our farms’ competitiveness and our environment’s health for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Alberta’s producers and agri-food innovators are among the world’s best, and their efforts help Canada compete and succeed on the global stage. Our government is building upon this strong foundation by investing up to $6.25 million in the Edmonton-based Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network to help transition Canadian-made technologies from testing into practical farm use. These technologies will provide producers across Western Canada with reliable new tools to remain competitive by reducing fuel costs and improving efficiency, while also supporting their long-standing tradition of environmental stewardship.”

– The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

“Through the ACT Accelerator, our Government is assisting Canadian companies as they bring advanced clean agricultural technologies closer to full deployment on farms. By expanding CAAIN’s smart farm network and investing in real-world testing via the Clean Agtech Validation and Integration Program, we are helping farmers adopt innovative long-term solutions.”

– Matt Jeneroux, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend

“CAAIN supports the creation of technologies that address key challenges in the agri-food sector. In our first six years, we have committed approximately $38 million of the funding awarded to CAAIN by ISED across 50 projects. These initiatives involve a diverse group of talented recipients, most of whom rely on AI to deliver results. The primary gap we identified has been a stronger emphasis on environmental sustainability. Now, thanks to the generous support of AAFC, we are well-positioned to robustly support innovative technologies that deliver not only increased productivity and profitability, but also meaningful environmental benefits.”

– Darrell Petras, P.Ag., CEO, Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network

Quick Facts

• The Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program offers funding to farmers and agri-businesses to aid in developing and adopting the latest clean technologies to reduce GHG emissions and boost their long-term competitiveness.
• The ACT Program supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 45–50% below 2005 levels by 2035.
• The ACT Accelerator provides funding to eligible not-for-profit organizations (Initial Recipients) that will then distribute these funds to other organizations (Ultimate Recipients) in support of their research and innovation objectives.
• Projects and final funding are contingent upon the negotiation of a contribution agreement.
• Based in Edmonton, CAAIN connects agricultural technology stakeholders through events and an online community, funds agtech development via competitions, and fosters the growth of the data-driven agtech market.

Additional Links

• Agricultural Clean Technology Program Research and Innovation Stream – Accelerator
• Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

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Website: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada