Fraser Valley agritech entrepreneurs will meet with Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick today to share a first-hand look at innovative developments in the agritech sector.

The AG-Tech Venture Accelerating Program (AVAP) is supporting agriculture technology by providing training and mentoring to maximize commercialization opportunities and accelerate growth in agritech companies.

Sumas Regional Consortium for High Tech (SRCTec) is partnering with BC Innovation Council (BCIC) to promote agriculture technology innovation and commercialization in the Fraser Valley through AVAP. Four local agritech companies, Vitalus, Novobind, Picker Drones Inc. and Nutriva Group, are participating in the next session of the intensive four-day acceleration program where they will receive mentorship and coaching, training and networking opportunities.

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AVAP was launched in 2014, with 32 Fraser Valley agritech companies completing the program to date. Since its launch, provincial benefits have included job creation and increased company revenues and investments in the B.C. agritech industry. AVAP aims to foster innovation and drive skills training in local established and new tech companies, as well as identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges faced in the rapidly changing market. The program is providing the skillsets and insights needed to succeed in the emerging agritech sector.

British Columbians have the opportunity to learn more about B.C.’s agritech industry on Jan. 26-28, at the 19th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show 2017. SRCTec’s booth is featuring the latest in Ag sensors, pathogen protection and new farming methods. The event is showcasing the latest and most-innovative equipment and technology for the agriculture industry to help enable B.C.’s agritech sector to remain competitive and promote long term growth.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“The B.C. government supports innovation across the province’s agritech sector and the AG-Tech Venture Accelerating Program is promoting commercialization opportunities and accelerating growth in the Fraser Valley. Programs such as AVAP will help drive our sector’s competitiveness and long term growth as we work towards increasing B.C. agrifood and seafood sector revenues to $15 billion per year by 2020.”

Marc Dalton, Maple Ridge-Mission MLA –

“By supporting programs like AVAP, we’re ensuring that B.C. agriculture is informed and equipped with the best farming methods available. The participating organizations will also benefit from the additional training and networking opportunities, setting them on a path for long-term growth.”

Simon Gibson, Abbotsford-Mission MLA –

“I’m glad to see that four of our Mission based organizations are benefitting from the AVAP program. Technology is rapidly changing how we live our lives. By supporting agritech, we are attracting new talent, creating jobs, and ensuring that B.C. agriculture remains ahead of the curve.”

Mike Manion, executive in residence, Sumas Regional Consortium for High Tech –

“Accelerators such as SRCTec guide entrepreneurs with knowledge, wisdom, and experience to ensure innovative agricultural technologies achieve commercialization.”

Carl Anderson, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council –

"Innovation is the transfer of technology into vital sectors like agriculture, fueling their success and growth. The AVAP is key piece of BC Innovation Council’s Innovation Exchange which helps agritech innovations reach traditional industries and regional communities throughout the province and create jobs in B.C."

Learn More:

Find out more about the AG-Tech Venture Accelerating Program: http://srctec.org/vap/

Click here for full details about the 19th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show 2017: http://srctec.org/19th-annual-pacific-agriculture-show-2017/

Learn more about Sumas Regional Consortium for High Tech: http://srctec.org/