New smartphone-based AI tool in development will strengthen grain quality data for farmers, buyers and processors

Jun 12, 2025

Today, Protein Industries Canada announced a partnership with Grain Discovery, Inarix and Sevita International to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into the palms of farmers’ hands and further strengthen Canada’s trusted grain quality system. The project will develop a smartphone-based grain quality assurance tool that builds on Canada’s existing dependable grading framework by bringing in digital capacity, supporting informed crop management decisions and expanding access to real-time quality data.

By leveraging AI, specifically computer vision and machine learning algorithms, the project partners will provide options to complement grain testing methods with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform. Once developed, the platform will allow users to take a photo of a soybean sample using a standard smartphone and receive an AI-generated quality assessment in under 20 seconds. By delivering consistent, scalable and real-time results, the tool will help improve information flow throughout the grain value chain—from field to export—and support more marketing opportunities for Canadian farmers.

“With support from Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, this project has the potential to mark a significant milestone in our journey towards a more efficient and sustainable agricultural future,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “By integrating AI, we aim to enhance the competitiveness of our value chains and drive economic growth in the Canadian agricultural industry.”

“The integration of digital innovation and agricultural expertise is reshaping Canada’s agrifood sector,” CEO of Protein Industries Canada Robert Hunter said. “This project demonstrates how advanced, accessible AI tools can help optimize decision-making at the farm level. By enhancing consistency and traceability, this technology supports delivery of high-quality, food grade crops. It’s a strong example of how collaborative innovation strengthens Canada’s position as a global agri-food leader.”

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Video: From Conventional to Regenerative: Will Groeneveld’s Journey Back to the Land

"You realize you've got a pretty finite number of years to do this. If you ever want to try something new, you better do it."

That mindset helped Will Groeneveld take a bold turn on his Alberta grain farm. A lifelong farmer, Will had never heard of regenerative agriculture until 2018, when he attended a seminar by Kevin Elmy that shifted his worldview. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a deep exploration of how biology—not just chemistry—shapes the health of our soils, crops and ecosystems.

In this video, Will candidly reflects on his family’s farming history, how the operation evolved from a traditional mixed farm to grain-only, and how the desire to improve the land pushed him to invite livestock back into the rotation—without owning a single cow.

Today, through creative partnerships and a commitment to the five principles of regenerative agriculture, Will is reintroducing diversity, building soil health and extending living roots in the ground for as much of the year as possible. Whether it’s through intercropping, zero tillage (which he’s practiced since the 1980s) or managing forage for visiting cattle, Will’s approach is a testament to continuous learning and a willingness to challenge old norms.

Will is a participant in the Regenerative Agriculture Lab (RAL), a social innovation process bringing together producers, researchers, retailers and others to co-create a resilient regenerative agriculture system in Alberta. His story highlights both the potential and humility required to farm with nature, not against it.