New supports available for food and agri-tech innovation in northern Ontario

Mar 17, 2023

Guelph/North Bay, – Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) is the newest member of Bioenterprise Canada. The Regional Innovation Centre located in North Bay has joined Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine as a Collaborative Partner to support innovation in the region’s rapidly growing food and agriculture sector.

For Bioenterprise, this new partnership adds an additional dimension to its growing presence in northern Ontario and Canada. For IION’s clients and strategic partners, the new collaborations brings access to the national Bioenterprise network for expertise, mentors, and funding and partnership opportunities.

“Supporting innovation in the food and agtech sector across Canada’s northern regions is a key priority for Bioenterprise as we continue to build Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine,” says Dave Smardon, CEO, Bioenterprise Canada. “We look forward to getting to know IION’s clients and partners and doing what we can to support their innovation visions and business growth goals.”

IION supports the efforts of innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing companies in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound and Muskoka to develop and scale their innovations through business advisory services, funding program guidance, and access to experts, resources, market research and networking.

“IION and Bioenterprise have a common goal of helping companies succeed and grow, and we want to ensure our clients are getting access to the best services available to support their development,” says Emily Ryan, Director of Special Projects and Business Development at IION. “Agriculture, food and beverage are rapidly growing industries in our region, so it’s very important that they’re aware of and have access to the services and resources that Bioenterprise can offer.”

Source : Bioenterprises.ca

Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.