Join Canadas leading AGTECH program today

Dec 13, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Jan 3 is the deadline for the Cultivator AGTECH cohort 4

Recruitment for Cohort 4 of the Cultivator AGTECH ACCELERATOR, powered by Conexus Credit Union, is now underway. In a major update, the program's finale will be hosted at Ag in Motion, Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo, offering participants unparalleled exposure to agricultural producers.

The AGTECH ACCELERATOR program aims to advance agricultural technology by connecting farmers, innovators, and investors. With a focus on bringing cutting-edge solutions to the farming sector, the program has already achieved significant milestones. In its first three cohorts, it supported 47 companies, creating 193 jobs and fostering growth within the agtech sector.

“Saskatchewan and Canada are home to incredible entrepreneurial thinkers who are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture through innovation,” said Laura Mock, Director of Cultivator. “However, the path to building and scaling an agtech company is complex. To succeed, founders need to deliver clear value to farmers, taking into account the intricacies of farming cycles, the risks and complexities of adopting new technology, and how their solutions integrate into existing farming operations."

"We've been thrilled to be a part of the Cultivator success story and the broader ecosystem building that has taken place through the program over the past three years. We look forward to welcoming connections with a wider network of investors as this can be a great way to raise additional capital, diversify sources of funding, and access different expertise,” said Emmertech’s Managing Partner Kyle Scott.

The program's finale in July 2025 will provide Cohort 4 participants with exceptional opportunities to showcase their innovations.

Over the years, the accelerator has delivered remarkable results. Participating companies have collectively raised $119.2 million in private capital, generated $72.1 million in revenue, and received $44.4 million in public funding. Greg Stewart, CEO of Geco and a Cohort 3 participant, praised the program for its invaluable connections and collaborative environment.

Cultivator invites agtech innovators with working prototypes to apply by January 3, 2025. This program is a stepping stone for those ready to take their agtech solutions to new heights. For details, visit Cultivator’s application page or contact Conexus Credit Union for inquiries.

Photo Credit: Conexsus Credit Union

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.