Funding supports machine learning to improve crop health and yields
A new federal investment of up to $1.69 million will support the development of advanced machine learning and computer vision technology designed to assist grape growers. The funding is being provided through the AgriScience Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a national initiative focused on strengthening innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability in agriculture.
Canadian farmers continue to face challenges from crop diseases, changing weather conditions, rising production costs, and market uncertainties. To help growers remain competitive and build a stronger agricultural sector, the Government of Canada is investing in innovative technologies that improve farm management and decision-making.
“Our grape growers work incredibly hard. By supporting the right technology, we help safeguard the crops that support our communities and local economies. Investing in Vivid Machine Inc.’s smart imaging tools will help producers be more resilient so they can continue growing the top-quality grapes that Canadians, and the world, love,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The project will help expand advanced crop-monitoring technology that can provide valuable information directly from vineyards. By using artificial intelligence and digital imaging tools, growers will be able to better understand the condition of their crops and make more informed management decisions throughout the growing season.
The technology being developed uses specialized cameras and computer vision systems to scan plants and capture important crop data. These systems can identify signs of disease, evaluate fruit quality, and estimate expected yields. Machine learning models analyze the collected information and help growers recognize patterns that may not be visible through traditional field scouting methods.
One of the major goals of the project is to improve early disease detection. Crop diseases can spread quickly through vineyards and cause significant production losses. Early identification allows growers to respond sooner, protecting plant health and reducing economic risks. Timely action can also help reduce the need for excessive chemical applications, supporting more sustainable production practices.
“Growing top-quality grapes takes skill and determination. Canadian grape growers have shown their resilience time and time again in the face of challenges, from crop diseases and unpredictable weather to shifting markets and yields. This investment in crop monitoring technology will give them the insights they need to protect their vineyards and keep our grape and wine sector thriving,” said Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Taiaiako’n—Parkdale—High Park.
The technology is also expected to help growers track fruit development throughout the season. Access to accurate yield predictions can improve harvest planning, labor management, storage preparation, and marketing strategies. Better forecasting enables producers to make decisions with greater confidence while improving overall farm efficiency.
Another important advantage is the delivery of real-time field insights. Instead of relying solely on periodic field checks, growers can receive continuous information about crop conditions. This allows them to respond more quickly to emerging issues and optimize how resources are used across their operations.
The project builds on existing agricultural imaging technology that has already been used in fruit production systems. By adapting and enhancing the technology for vineyards, researchers and developers aim to address the unique challenges faced by grape growers. The expansion of these tools demonstrates how innovation can be adapted across different agricultural sectors to create broader benefits for Canadian producers.
“This $1.69M investment from the Government of Canada through the AgriScience Program is a vote of confidence in Canadian-made innovation. It allows us to take the computer vision technology we've built for apple growers and adapt it to tackle some of the toughest challenges facing grape growers such as crop load estimation, and early disease detection. It also means we can keep growing our team right here in Toronto, building the kind of high-skilled agtech jobs that keep Ontario at the forefront of precision agriculture," said Jenny Lemieux, Co-Founder & CEO, Vivid Machines Inc.
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in modern farming. Computer vision technology enables machines to interpret images and identify important crop characteristics, while machine learning allows systems to learn from large amounts of data and improve their predictions over time. Together, these technologies can provide farmers with actionable insights that support better crop management decisions.
As agriculture becomes more technology-driven, innovations such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture tools are expected to play an even greater role in food production. These solutions can help farmers improve productivity, reduce risks, and manage resources more effectively while meeting the growing demand for high-quality agricultural products.