Innovative investments: Venture capital funding in agriculture and food
Innovators take risks. And they need investors who are willing and informed to help them take the risks. Alison Sunstrum is a pioneering entrepreneur turned investor, now on a mission to fix the gaps she once faced—mentorship and access to capital—by investing in exceptional talent and bold ideas in agriculture. Graeme is part of the team at FCC Capital, which is a new effort from Farm Credit Canada to provide what he calls 'patient, and reliable capital' to agri-food and ag-tech companies across the country. Hear how these two and their teams are filling an important funding gap in Canada to help innovation in the ag sector.
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28:42
On Farm Climate Action in Action
Farmers are taking action to protect the environment and strengthen the competitiveness of our agricultural sector. We speak with three producers who are leaders in reducing greenhouse gases, sequestering carbon, and building resilience against climate change. With support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), they’ve adopted beneficial management practices (BMPs) that make good business sense. Tune in to hear their insights and advice for fellow producers.
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28:06
Calculating crop rotation for potatoes
Lori Robinson, a 6th generation farmer in PEI, is a data hound. As a result of her 50+ years of her and her family taking detailed notes and 20 + years of doing a four-year crop rotation system she laid the groundwork for a user-friendly calculator for crop rotations that has both economic benefits for producers and environmental benefits. Developed at the Living Labs initiative in PEI in conjunction with the PEI Potato Board, the calculator helps producers maximize profits while reducing their use of pesticides and improving soil health. And the story of the calculator has some interesting twists.
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18:32
Plant breeding: Long-game innovation in a fast-changing world
How has plant breeding evolved over the past 20 years? Who are the players in Canada? What is the plant breeding continuum? And what is the proverbial sandbox in which Canadian plant breeders are working? Learn this and why it takes a special breed of innovator to become a plant-breeder.
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26:09
Science vs. food waste
Can we make biodegradable plastics using food waste? Can we control disease in crops and eliminate food borne pathogens using just hydrogen peroxide, ozone and UV rays? Yes, we can! Meet the two grand prize winners of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge – in the novel technology stream -- who proved we can do this and more. Learn how Genecis Bioindustries and Clean Works are fighting food waste and food loss with cutting-edge science.
Welcome to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s podcast series that explores the freshest ideas in agriculture and food. Each episode explores a single topic in depth—digging deep into new practices, innovative ideas, and their impacts on the industry. Learn about Canada’s agricultural sector from the people making the breakthroughs and knocking down the barriers! Farmers and foodies, scientists and leaders, and anyone with an eye on the future of the sector—this podcast is for you!
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