A historic USD3.75m investment from a partnership led by McCain Foods and other New Brunswick institutions was recently announced by the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). This investment will revolutionize digital agriculture, advance regenerative farming practices, and lessen the effects of climate change on farmland.

McCain Foods is investing USD2.76m over the next five years to develop a project that mimics regenerative agricultural farming to boost the adoption of more sustainable potato production worldwide. This computer model will serve as a simulation for farmers, demonstrating the effects of regenerative agriculture on the environment and economy. This investment is in line with McCain Foods’ goal of using regenerative agriculture on all of its potato lands worldwide by 2030.

“This investment will go a long way in supporting the future of New Brunswick’s agricultural landscape. In this exciting partnership with McCain Foods, we look forward to enhancing research and innovation in the field of digital agriculture while exploring sustainable practices through digital solutions,” Frank McKenna, founder of the McKenna Institute at UNB, mentioned.

ResearchNB, the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries of the Government of New Brunswick, and the McKenna Institute are collectively providing an extra USD 990,000 to the already significant investment made by McCain Foods. A critical first step in developing a resilient and sustainable agricultural environment is this combined investment.

McCain’s Farm of the Future in Florenceville, New Brunswick will have a “digital twin” thanks to this funding, which will improve agricultural research at UNB. This commercial-scale research farm is an example of sustainable farming techniques; it prioritizes soil health, water use, biodiversity, and climate resilience while yielding favorable outcomes in crop quality and production. Work at the Farm of the Future will increase the farm’s production and resilience while lowering the carbon emissions related to farming.

“A key part of our effort to promote smart and sustainable farming is leveraging technology solutions to help us redefine the way we grow a potato. This cutting-edge digital farm model will help potato farmers worldwide adopt practices that help regenerate soils, improve water management and biodiversity, and ensure a resilient farming operation,” Max Koeune, President & CEO of McCain Foods, added.

UNB will create a Chair in Digital Agriculture with a USD1.5m investment. To support these goals, the Chair will manage a variety of research activities, such as digital agriculture, crop simulation modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), sensor data, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

“We are pleased to partner with McCain Foods and the Government of New Brunswick on this substantial initiative. This investment will strengthen our research in digital agriculture and support our commitment to sustainability by developing practical solutions for the environment and the agricultural community,” Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor of UNB, declared.

Additionally, the investment will support various academic-led research projects in agricultural science, regenerative agriculture, and smart farming practices, utilizing interactive analytics and digital twin technologies.

“New Brunswick agriculture producers need resources to be well-positioned for the future. The Chair in Digital Agriculture will provide the right knowledge and technologies to help New Brunswickers in agriculture increase productivity while minimizing the impact on the environment,” Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister, Margaret Johnson, said.

According to Damon Goodwin, CEO of ResearchNB, the organization he supervises will give USD500,000 to establish a new Chair in Digital Agriculture at UNB.

“Our province has long attracted top researchers in the agriculture and agri-food sector. We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration that will enhance this legacy through investments in digital agriculture,” Goodwin concluded.