Fourth Ag-Tech Days News
Held in conjunction with the 38th Canadian Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the 22nd Robots & Vision Conference (2025), the fourth annual AgTech Day took place on March 27, 2025, continuing the momentum of innovation in Canadian agriculture. Organized by the Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability, this year’s theme—”Strong Agriculture, Strong Canada”—highlighted the vital role of agricultural technology in securing the nation’s food systems, economy, and environmental resilience.
The event featured thought-provoking panels, AI-driven agtech showcases, and interdisciplinary discussions connecting researchers, technology developers, policy leaders, and producers. With a strong mix of in-person and virtual participation, AgTech Day 4 emphasized the importance of collaborative innovation in strengthening Canada’s agricultural future through intelligent, sustainable, and scalable solutions.
Opening Remarks and CPAS Introduction
AgTech Day 4 began with opening remarks from Dr. Kristin Baetz, Dr. Renate Weller, and Dr. Farhad Maleki, who emphasized the critical intersection of agricultural innovation, data science, and national well-being. They highlighted the growing importance of interdisciplinary research in strengthening Canada’s agri-food sector and reaffirmed the role of the Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability (CPAS) in advancing technological solutions for sustainable, resilient farming. Their messages set an inspiring tone for the event, calling for continued collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and producers to build a stronger agricultural future for Canada.
Presentations
Following the opening remarks, experts from academia, research, and the agricultural sector shared a dynamic series of presentations exploring the future of agricultural technology. Edmond Pajor ( W.A. Ranches, University of Calgary), Vinicius Camargo (University of Calgary), Guillaume Lhermie (The Simpson Centre), Parker Galesloot (Bayer Crop Science), Samantha Larose (One Health at UCalgary), and Karin Orsel (University of Calgary) brought forward diverse perspectives on the integration of AI, animal welfare, data-driven decision-making, economic sustainability, and next-generation ag solutions. Their presentations sparked engaging discussions and offered valuable insights into how innovation and research can address pressing challenges in Canadian agriculture and drive long-term impact across the food production ecosystem.
Panel: Farming for the Future – Challenges & Opportunities
The “Strong Agriculture, Strong Canada” panel on Day 4 brought together experts Kristin Baetz (University of Calgary), Virginia Mulligan (Alberta Innovates), Darrell Petras (Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network), Mark Redmond (Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)), Jeremy Boychun (Alberta Grains), Arun Govind (Agriculture Financial Services Corporation), and Chris Paterson (Tall Grass Ventures) to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities shaping the ag-tech landscape. Panelists shared diverse perspectives on how emerging technologies, industry collaboration, and research are transforming agriculture. The discussion was further enriched by thoughtful audience questions, sparking engaging dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and the future of the agri-food sector.
Networking Session: Connecting Ag-Tech Enthusiasts
During the AgTech Day 4 event, a vibrant networking session brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from across the ag-tech ecosystem. This informal gathering provided an open space to exchange ideas, explore collaborative opportunities, and discuss emerging trends shaping the future of agriculture technology. The conversations sparked during this session strengthened community connections and inspired new partnerships, reinforcing the event’s spirit of innovation and collaboration.