The federal government is giving Protein Industries Canada aadditional $15 million in funding to research genomics and apply artificial intelligence to its work.
"Investing in genomics and artificial intelligence is investing in our future, helping build a more prosperous and competitive Canada," said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.
Through the five-year Genomics Stream project, Protein Industries Canada will invest $7 million into the commercialization of new and improved broad-acre crop varieties, with a focus on pulse and cereal crops. Projects will apply genomic tools in plant breeding and variety development to meet industry demand, aligning innovation across the value-chain, from growers to ingredient manufacturers.
The other $8 million will support artificial intelligence programming .
Projects that will be considered may involve: the development of tools that accelerate seed genetic work; supply chain optimization; quality assurance and food safety protocols; and ingredient and food formulation.
"This new investment will deliver value across the entire supply chain, starting with enhanced genetics that improve crop functionality," said Robert Hunter, PIC’s chief executive officer.
