Without a coordinated approach, Canada is falling behind on ag tech and drone adoption

"The Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) has outlined two key resolutions it will bring forward to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) annual general meeting later this month, aimed at strengthening Canada's approach to ag technology and innovation. Aaron Stein, executive director of the AFA, says the organization is calling for a national ag tech innovation and adoption framework led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, with input from producer groups and general farm"

"A second, joint resolution with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture focuses on improving regulatory alignment for drone spraying. The groups are urging better integration between Transport Canada, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to streamline approvals, labelling, and operator training. Although Transport Canada has recently expanded drone size allowances, Stein says product registration and regulatory capacity remain concerns."

"On artificial intelligence, Stein points to ongoing discussions at the Canadian Grain Commission around AI-assisted grain grading, raising questions about data ownership and dispute mechanisms. "Who owns the data that comes out of that?" he asks. Stein adds that while Canada is taking a cautious approach, embracing emerging technologies will be critical to keeping the sector competitive and responsive in the years ahead."

The Alberta Federation of Agriculture proposes a national ag tech innovation and adoption framework led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada with input from producer groups and general farm organizations. The proposal notes provinces like Alberta offer translational research programs but a coordinated federal strategy is missing. A joint resolution with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture calls for improved regulatory alignment for drone spraying across Transport Canada, the PMRA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to streamline approvals, labelling, and operator training. Transport Canada has expanded drone size allowances, yet product registration and regulatory capacity remain concerns. Ongoing AI discussions raise data ownership and dispute mechanism questions. Embracing emerging technologies is critical to sector competitiveness and responsiveness.

Read at Realagriculture