Two Langley farms are receiving more than $2 million in funds from the provincial government B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
The funding includes a $1.2-million project with Foxy Produce Ltd., which operates a produce store in North Vancouver and a farm in Aldergrove. Foxy Produce will test an advanced air-insulated greenhouse that is expected to cut energy costs in half.
Joseph Sung, CEO of Foxy Produce, said he has witnessed first-hand how British Columbians have struggled with food security and affordability both as a farmer and retailer.
"We are proud to collaborate with BCCAI on our active-air insulation greenhouse technology and rotary growing towers. This project will enable year-round growing by minimizing energy costs during the cold weather seasons, allowing for continuous and efficient crop production."
B.C.'s minister of agriculture and food, Lana Popham, said Foxy Produce's technology is expected to create 60 jobs and increase revenue by 30 per cent by creating fresh, locally grown food for less energy.
"Supporting our province's food producers and agritech innovators is critical to building a sustainable, local food supply, as well as contributing to new jobs and economic growth in B.C.," she said.
Langley-based C&T Mushroom Farm Ltd. is receiving $1.37 million to test automated cow manure processing to produce organic fertilizers and diversify B.C. fairy farms revenue streams. The farm will be partnering with Foxy Produce and VNB Enterprise.
Chi Ta, CEO of C&T, said the initiative will promote sustainability and create a "circular ecosystem" for local agriculture.
"By reusing organic waste, we minimize environmental impact and enhance soil quality. We are proud to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for British Columbians," Ta said.
In total are 19 new projects and nine training programs receiving a combined $15 million through the BCCAI, which will focus on helping companies scale up their technology and create more B.C.-made solutions with local farmers.
"By partnering with the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, the Government of Canada is supporting local food producers, strengthening our supply chains and growing a skilled workforce," said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal minister of emergency preparedness and minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).
Other projects supported by the BCCAI include training opportunities with partnering organizations, such as the BC Blueberry Council (BCBC) and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).
Additionally, Indigenous people will receive upskilling and training opportunities in horticulture, Indigenous agriculture, drone-based mappingand business mentorship through Tea Creek, an Indigenous employment and training service based in Kitwanga.
