Food Science Prof Bridges Food Fermentation With Machine Learning to Drive Innovation

Sep 10, 2025

Digital technologies are revolutionizing how food is produced, processed and developed. Tools like advanced biosensors and machine learning are enhancing efficiency, advancing sustainability, improving health outcomes and unlocking the next generation of food ingredients.

Dr. Biniam Kebede, a newly appointed professor in the Department of Food Science at the Ontario Agricultural College, leads the Food Bioprocessing and Data Science Lab, where ancient fermentation meets cutting-edge digital innovation.

“Fermentation is increasingly recognized as a natural and sustainable food processing method,” says Kebede. “But most processes still rely on trial and error. There’s a critical need for data-driven approaches that accelerate R&D and streamline innovation.”

Kebede joined the University of Guelph in December 2024, following a senior lectureship at the University of Otago (New Zealand) and a PhD in bioscience engineering from KU Leuven (Belgium).

His NSERC Discovery Grant-funded research focuses on producing bioactive and flavour compounds from underutilized plant materials (such as pulses) and agri-food byproducts through solid-state fermentation, integrated with multi-omics analysis and AI-driven modelling.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.