Protein Industries Canada is supporting a project with four industry partners to develop new artificial intelligence (AI) technology expected to improve the quality of Canada’s protein crops and ingredients.

Project partners Enns Bros, Crop Sentry, DL Seeds and AGT Foods will develop the technology to meet the needs of farmers and ingredients processors.

Building on the Internet of Things (IoT) sensor system previously developed by Crop Sentry, the partners will optimise in-field sensors for pea and canola crops to autonomously gather phenotype data throughout the growing season.

This in-field data gathering aims to help farmers better collect measurements related to crop quality, leading to improved data-driven decisions that are expected to have ‘positive ripple effects’ across the value chain.

Improved crop quality will allow ingredient processors a more consistent supply to work with, helping them to develop a steady supply of high-quality, functional ingredients that will aid consumer packaged goods manufacturers in developing new food and beverage products.

The technology will also aim to aid in traceability efforts related to sustainability, in-field management practices and allergen concerns.

The project is the first to be announced under Protein Industries Canada’s artificial intelligence stream. A total of 13 million CAD (approx. $9.5 million) has been invested in the joint project, with Protein Industries Canada committing approx. 5.9 CAD (approx. $4.3 million) and the partners committing the remainder.

Bill Greuel, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, said: “Canada’s food and ingredient sectors are evolving, and with this evolution comes a need for new technology—including technology that utilises the vast potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning”.

He added: “By focusing their initial efforts on in-field AI technology, our project partners are building on the established success of Canada’s agriculture industry to help add value and increase the sustainability of our plant-based value chain”.

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