Alberta boasts more than 50 million acres of farmland, while Canada has agriculture-related trade agreements with over 50 other nations—giving the province’s producers market access to 1.5 billion people.
To further capitalize on this opportunity, new research funding from Alberta Innovates is targeting technologies that could benefit local food producers as well as open new markets for cannabis in areas such as skincare and medicine.
“Alberta has long been and will continue to be an agriculture powerhouse,” believes Mark Summers, who serves as Associate Vice President of Agriculture and Environment for Alberta Innovates. “Finding innovative approaches and technology to improve yield, product quality, and environmental stewardship is both deeply embedded in the culture of the industry, and critical to maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness.”
Grants have been awarded to three research teams, the organization announced this week: The University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and Calgary-based LWR Technologies.
“By funding research and development in Alberta, we’re supporting technology development that will benefit communities within the province, across the country, and around the world,” said Summers.
Researchers at the University of Alberta are developing better ways to incorporate cannabidiol, or CBD, into products such lotions or water-based products including food and beverages. Using nanotechnology for encapsulation, the research aims to make oils more soluble in water, preventing separation. The research has received $317,000 in funding.
“This innovative nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the incorporation of CBD into aqueous-based food and skincare formulations, making it more accessible and effective for consumers,” stated Professor Lingyun Chen, University of Alberta. “Our work will not only advance scientific understanding but also create new market opportunities and drive economic growth within the cannabis industries.”
Quantum dot technology research at the University of Calgary is developing new light-filtering films that can be applied to outdoor greenhouse exteriors. By strategically filtering light, growing conditions are improved and plant production enhanced. The research has received $350,000 in funding.
“Scaling quantum dot technology could revolutionize greenhouse operations by reducing reliance on artificial lighting, improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs,” comments Jianguang Hu, Associate Professor, University of Calgary. “The technology aims to bolster economic viability by boosting yields and accelerating harvest cycles.”
LWR Technologies, based in Calgary, with research support from the University of Calgary Senor Lab, has received $500,000 funding to continue its development of real-time wireless fertilizer monitoring through RF-microwave sensors. The senSor is designed to measure nutrients in water and fertilizer distribution systems in real time eliminating the need for lab-based testing, allowing farmers to optimize fertilization and irrigation practices for improved crop growth.
“By delivering precise nutrient measurements, the system enhances crop yields, reduces costs, and promotes sustainable agriculture,” stated Zahra Abbasi, Director Calgary Sensor Lab. “This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology.”
Since 2019 Alberta Innovates has provided $17.9 million in funding for agriculture and food innovation research to 67 recipients to support the science and development of new technologies in this sector.
“We’re invigorating Alberta’s agricultural sector by bringing about new, efficient solutions and expanding into untapped markets,” stated Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation for the Government of Alberta.
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