Federal and provincial agriculture ministers recently toured Olds College Smart Farm to learn more about the industry-led, agriculture technology applied research happening at the college.
“As Canada’s Smart Agriculture College and home to Canada’s first Smart Farm, Olds College provides a living lab for industry, researchers, faculty and students to develop and integrate technology and best practice,” said college president Stuart Cullum who gave Federal Agriculture and Agri-food Minister of Marie-Claude Bibeau, and newly appointed Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Nate Horner, a tour of the facility.
As outlined in the recently issued Guelph Statement, Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers have a shared vision of how agriculture and agri-food sector can continue to sustainably produce food to feed Canadians and a growing global population, while addressing the climate change challenge.
Showcasing Olds College’s work in regenerative agriculture and climate change resiliency, the ministers toured the Smart Ag Innovation Centre, explored the OMNI: Autonomous Agriculture platform, and spoke with students in the new agriculture technology programs.
“It is great to be on the ground with Minister Horner to see first-hand the innovative work happening right here at Olds College. Students at Olds are getting the chance to work on the most digitally advanced technologies that are driving a more sustainable system of agriculture. We are immensely proud of the role taken by the college and the world-leading research collaborations they are forging,” Bibeau said.
“Agriculture is a key driver of Alberta’s economic recovery plan, and Olds College continues to be a leader in innovation, research, and smart ag technology while meeting the needs of producers right here in Alberta. From practical on-farm applications to advanced technical training, Olds College has helped build Alberta’s modern agriculture sector,” Horner, said.