Investment helps accelerate digital agriculture across Manitoba.
The Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) has received $3.5 million in funding from the Government of Canada to strengthen agricultural innovation and technology adoption in Manitoba.
The announcement was made earlier this week during EMILI’s Field Day event in Grosse Isle, Manitoba, where the organization celebrated its 10th anniversary. The investment aims to help more digital agriculture companies test, develop, and bring new technologies to the market.
“Manitoba is a leader in Canadian agriculture, and organizations like EMILI are helping ensure our producers remain at the forefront of innovation. Through this investment, the Government of Canada is supporting the development and adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technologies that will strengthen food security, create economic opportunities, and help Manitoba producers compete in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. I am proud to support EMILI’s work in building a stronger, more sustainable future for agriculture,” said Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg West.
Agriculture continues to face challenges such as rising production costs, changing weather conditions, and competitive global markets. New technologies can help farmers improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience while supporting long-term food security.
EMILI plays an important role in connecting farmers, innovators, and industry partners. In 2026, the organization is working with 24 innovators on 33 projects across 10,000 acres at its Innovation Farms locations in Grosse Isle and MacGregor. These projects allow companies to evaluate technologies under real farming conditions before they reach producers.
The federal funding will support EMILI’s efforts to encourage digital agriculture adoption and expand innovation opportunities in Manitoba’s agriculture and value-added agriculture sectors. The organization also helps build stronger connections within the agricultural innovation community.
“New technologies have tremendous potential, but lasting success depends on ensuring they solve real challenges on the farm. This investment enhances our ability to evaluate and de-risk emerging innovations, giving farmers greater confidence to adopt technologies that have been tested, validated, and proven to deliver value,” said Jacqueline Keena, Managing Director, Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning.
She continued, “By serving as a trusted bridge between innovation and on-farm application, we can help accelerate adoption, foster meaningful collaboration, and ensure Canadian producers benefit from practical solutions that drive productivity, sustainability, and long-term growth.”
In addition, EMILI is expanding its influence through the Agriculture, Innovation, Validation, and Adoption Network (AIVA). As a co-founder of the network, EMILI works with partners across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to advance agricultural innovation and technology validation.
Government representatives noted that the investment will help create economic opportunities, support business growth, strengthen food security, and improve the competitiveness of Canadian agriculture. Officials emphasized that innovation remains essential for the future success of Prairie agriculture.
EMILI leaders welcomed the funding and highlighted the importance of ensuring that new technologies solve real farming challenges. By testing and validating innovations before they are adopted on farms, the organization helps reduce risk for producers and increases confidence in new tools and practices.