OLDS — The Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network, led by the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology (OCAT), now has a new member: Lethbridge College.
An announcement to that effect was made in an OCAT news release issued in recent weeks.
The Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network, launched in 2021, is a network of smart farms supporting Canada’s agriculture sector to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in response to emerging opportunities and challenges.
It currently has seven members across three different provinces in Canada working collaboratively towards advancing ag tech solutions and sustainability across Canada.
The Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) at Lethbridge College is dedicated to economic growth, sustainability, and social development.
Its addition expands the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network into southern Alberta and Canada’s premier food corridor.
CARIE supports on-farm activities with a 385-acre irrigated research farm located just east of Lethbridge, several irrigation systems and technology, field-scale plots, crop production and a state-of-the-art grain drying facility.
CARIE also has more than 7,000 square feet of laboratory spaces, and more than 20,000 square feet of controlled-environment agriculture facilities — including the internationally-known Aquaculture Centre of Excellence and Centre for Sustainable Food Production.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Lethbridge College into the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network as our fourth expansion site,” Olds College vice-president of research Joy Agnew said in the release.
“The network’s continued expansion across different agricultural zones and land bases brings more depth to the projects and technology evaluations which benefit farmers and developers.
“Lethbridge College brings expertise in irrigated crop production, grain storage management, and horticulture production, among other things.
“Together, this network of smart farms can truly drive innovation and growth in Canada’s diverse agriculture industry.”
