Technological innovations have contributed enormously to the transformation of Canada's agriculture sector and strengthened its competitiveness internationally. To help sustain today's evolving global trade environment, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments that will harness digital and technological solutions to create a stronger, stable and more sustainable food system in Canada.
Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $1.9 million to help the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) develop a digital food innovation hub, which will enhance connectivity among players in Canada's food innovation ecosystem. This project aims to bring together the many individual components of Canada's vast food ecosystem into an interactive online community, through the development and use of digital technology.
The digital food innovation hub will be available around the clock for businesses to access one-on-one mentorship as well as knowledge, research and innovation resources. A key component of this tool will be the role it plays in helping to identify and match entrepreneurs with technical expertise and partnerships to help spur growth. It will also serve as a collaboration space to share best practices and opportunities among the ecosystem.
The digital connectivity of this new platform leverages and strengthens the capacity of Canada's entire food ecosystem to drive innovation, making the sector more competitive. It will help businesses break down barriers to improve collaboration and stimulate new opportunities for economic growth. Ultimately, this investment is enabling important connections that will help build a stronger, more sustainable food industry that is key to supporting Canada's economic future.
Collaboration and partnerships are vital to ensuring Canada's food industry remains strong to feed a growing population. The Government of Canada remains committed to advancing innovation and digital technologies to help the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector grow.
