ISED Recognizes Six Years of Exceptional Agtech R&D Results with a Second Round of Funding
Edmonton, Alberta, August 26, 2026—Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced today that it will award $50‑million to the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN), thereby allowing CAAIN to launch new programming, beginning this fall.
CAAIN will continue to focus on its primary mandate of funding the development and adoption of innovation that increases the productivity, profitability, and/or sustainability of our nation’s agricultural producers. Over the past six years, we have committed more than $42M of ISED dollars to 56 projects whose total value exceeds $133M. It is worth noting that of the 30 projects to have completed their CAAIN funding cycle, a number have successfully gone to market, validating ISED’s and our faith in their long-term value and effectively providing taxpayers a strong return on investment.
“To say we appreciate ISED’s belief in us and what we do would be an understatement,” said CAAIN CEO, Darrell Petras, P.Ag. “As someone who once farmed, I can’t begin to express the importance of the investments the ISED program allows. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Government of Canada, thereby supporting the brilliant technology entrepreneurs whose innovative solutions to agricultural challenges support the farmers who put food on our tables.”
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Quotes
“Canadians deserve a food system that is strong, resilient and ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Through our investment in CAAIN, we are accelerating the commercialization and adoption of innovative agricultural technologies that improve productivity and strengthen food supply chains. Our government is taking decisive actions to enhance Canada’s food security and support long-term affordability for Canadians.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“In the six years since ISED first placed is trust in CAAIN’s mission to seek out and support innovation that will make Canada’s agricultural sector more profitable, productive, and sustainable CAAIN has catalyzed more that $133 million of capital with industry partners to innovatively produce real world agricultural outcomes. ISED’s steadfast commitment to the next phase of CAAIN will further bring new opportunities to create economic value for Canadian farmers who feed the world. “
Laura Kilcrease, Chair, CAAIN Board of Directors
About CAAIN
The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is a not-for-profit company created in 2019 with funding from the Government of Canada. CAAIN provides a significant return on taxpayer investment as it drives collaborative agri-food technology research and innovation from coast to coast.
CAAIN Media Relations Contact
Eric Morin, CMP
Director, Communications and Marketing
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network
780.405.3742 | [email protected]
Industry Minister Media Relations Contact
Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of Minister Joly
[email protected]
ISED Media Relations Contact
Media Relations
ISED
[email protected]
