Sound Technology Reaches New Pitch For BC Pests

With damage to vineyards and tree fruits estimated at over four million annually, growers in the Okanagan-Similkameen have long sought a solution to the problem of starlings. While many different methods and devices exist to repel these and other agricultural pests, finding a consistently effective tool has remained an elusive goal.

According to Sadashi Domitsu, general manager of FCOM Services, the challenge lies in the natural learning capabilities of birds and other animals which ultimately allows them to become accustomed to each deterrent.

“Birds and animals are sensitive to small sounds with significantly quicker response times to that of humans,” Sadashi explains. “Because currently used sound repelling methods are only felt by animals at a speed equivalent to slow-motion, they can easily adapt.”

A company in Japan, however, has found a way to level the playing field by throwing a few curveballs.

“Fractal impulse is a new system that uses sound shockwaves specific to animals so that they can’t acclimate to the sound or return to the area,” says Sadashi.

Developed by KEYON Company, the fractal impulse method relies on a computer program that produces irregular, high-speed pulses directed towards pests, using a different high-speed pulse each time to maintain a constant state of surprise.   

After researching the results from Japanese farm installations, Sadashi undertook a project with funding through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program to test if the new technology was similarly effective at repelling BC species.

Using Harper’s Trail Vineyard in Kamloops as a test site, they installed six devices just before bird season and cameras to monitor bird movement. By the end of the season, they were excited to discover that unlike in previous years, starling sightings were minimal and only one vine had been damaged.

According to the vineyard owner, noise complaints from neighbours have also significantly reduced from previous seasons that relied solely on propane cannons.  

While still in the early stages of testing, Sadashi is hopeful the technology will finally provide a reliable solution across multiple sectors.

“We’re eager to provide the BC industry with a less invasive, alternative method to deter agricultural pests,” he says. “Ideally we’d like to also explore whether sound technology can help minimize cattle predation, which we know has been a growing problem for cattle ranchers in BC.”

Funding: $8,756 provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership under the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program. (INV035 AE SP)

October 15, 2019 Crops & Value Added, Innovation Comments Off on Sound Technology Reaches New Pitch For BC Pests

The Pest Is History

Persistent greenhouse pests will soon be a thing of the past if Menno Koehoorn has his way. The CEO of TechMist Spray Solutions has been working for the past eight years developing Sparc™, an unparalleled agricultural disinfection solution to an age-old problem.

“This new patented technology can reduce the overall greenhouse chemical footprint,” promises Menno. “Sparc™ provides a pesticide-free alternative to controlling insects and pathogens with a zero-residue disinfection solution that is completely safe for greenhouse workers.”

Sparc™ is typically pumped into greenhouses through the carbon dioxide distribution system and then disbursed with circulation fans, causing swift cell failure in surrounding pathogens. Once the treatment is complete, the Sparc™ particle cloud reduces to simple organic molecules.

“It can be done at night with no down time and workers can continue during the day to prepare the facility for the next crop,” Menno explains. “Pathogen control costs are minimized if not eliminated, crop yields are maximized, and pesticides are not required at the time of greenhouse cleanout.”

After previous Agri-Innovation projects helped validate Sparc™ efficacy for pest management, Menno launched a subsequent study to develop and test enhancements such as remote sensing technology and data analysis software, both necessary features for accessing broader market opportunities. With funding through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, the upgrades were successfully completed and the TechMist team can now monitor global installations at their Abbotsford headquarters.

With improvements to the Canary™, an environmental sensing device and database, growers can measure pathogen reduction rates after each treatment, adjust dosage levels if necessary, and track crop health and performance year-over-year.

“One of our greatest challenges was determining thresholds of effective Sparc™ treatments relative to environmental conditions,” Menno recalls. “We’re now able to better isolate unique environmental factors to enhance each cycle while recording data to ensure treatment consistency and facilitate research.”

So far studies on Sparc™-treated greenhouses have confirmed a sizeable return on investment for farmers (even the same day), and yields increasing from a 15 percent loss to almost non-existent losses in the first year of treatment.

Pepper Weevil pressure, for instance, was eliminated for eight months following a  Sparc™ treatment, while other persistent greenhouse pathogens face similar eradication, sometimes for years.

“Last year we eliminated Green Mottle Mosaic Virus from cucumbers that showed up in every crop for roughly 30 years prior to Sparc™ treatment,” Menno recalls, adding that this year the same grower has experienced none for four crops.

Another cucumber house is now rid of Thrips during the early growing period, yielding an increase of eight cucumbers per plant in the first few weeks alone.

“Our treatment is measurable, you can see if you’ve achieved your target after each cycle so there is no more guessing,” says Menno, adding that operators can even potentially attain organic certification with exclusive use of Sparc™. 

Having achieved commercialization, TechMist has been able to forge new partnerships and is teaming with BW Global Greenhouses, Ecoation Innovative Solutions and other strategic partners to enter the market. 

For more information visit www.techmist.com/

Funding: $169,210 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. (INV043)

Opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and not necessarily those of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada or the BC Ministry of Agriculture. The Government of Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and their directors, agents, employees or contractors will not be liable for any claims, damages, or losses of any kind whatsoever arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, this information.

August 19, 2019 Innovation Comments Off on The Pest Is History

Digging Up The Dirt on Cranberry Field Decline

When it comes to climate, soil conditions and production systems, BC’s cranberry beds are unique compared to other growing regions. Unfortunately, this means that many of the challenges producers face are similarly distinct, sometimes posing unprecedented dilemmas that elude existing resources.

So, when several fields across BC were struck by “Cranberry Field Decline” (CFD), where patches of vines can no longer produce crops and eventually die, there were no tools available to identify at-risk fields, recommendations for prevention, or treatment options for affected fields suffering the devastating impacts on productivity.

And while it became clear that incidents of CFD were increasing, the cases still appeared random with no obvious reason or pattern to the outbreaks observed in different beds. 

“There are fields where one exhibits extreme CFD symptoms while adjacent fields show no indication of symptoms whatsoever,” says Jack Brown, chair of the BC Cranberry Marketing Commission. “There was no apparent cause, so we couldn’t formulate a solution.”

With funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Growing Forward 2 Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, the Commission undertook a three-year project to find answers that would not only enable them to deal with CFD, but to also gain a deeper understanding of BC’s unique production system.

Researchers began by mapping the distribution of CFD over the past ten years in BC cranberry beds and conducting field trials on six local farms. After extensively analyzing the physiological plant and soil characteristics associated with the symptoms, they were able to identify one possible cause and develop diagnostic tools and potential management strategies to prevent, manage and treat CFD.

According to the findings, the root of the problem may have been the roots themselves.

“It appears the primary culprit behind the disorder may be poor root health or ‘low rooting capacity,’” Jack explains. “As a result, plants became deficient in water and nutrients which reduced photosynthesis and carbohydrate reserves, weakening their structural integrity and causing canopy collapse.”

Initial recommendations to growers include monitoring the cranberry canopy for balanced root and shoot development and implementing management practices like sanding and/or pruning to maintain a desirable canopy architecture and rooting capacity. Researchers also developed the “Pull-Test” which provides growers with a tool to detect reduced rooting capacity and assess mature fields for their risk levels of developing CFD.

The project team also found that utilizing aerial imagery may offer growers another diagnostic tool for early detection of CFD, prior to the symptoms visually manifesting in the field.

In addition to yielding information for managing this formerly mysterious disease, Jack credits the study for contributing to broader, long-term industry benefits.

 “This project represents one of the most comprehensive physiological assessments of cranberries in BC to date,” he asserts. “We now possess valuable information that will not only help address the challenges of CFD, but will also improve cranberry production practices in general.”

Funding: $28,451 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a former federal-provincial-territorial initiative (INN235); and $7,790 through former federal adaptation funding.

March 26, 2019 Crops & Value Added, Innovation Comments Off on Digging Up The Dirt on Cranberry Field Decline

A Natural Defense for Poultry Biosecurity

As the pressure to ease antibiotic use in animal agriculture rises within Canada, industry faces the considerable challenge of finding effective alternatives to protect animal health and food safety. Luckily for BC’s poultry industry, a new tool developed by Cedar Biotech promises to help treat and prevent a variety of diseases in both farms and processing facilities.

Derived from the Western red cedar, thuja plicata and possessing unique anti-microbial properties, Cedar Biotech diffuses Cedar Leaf Oil into vapour form to provide safe and environmentally-friendly building-wide treatment and decontamination.

With funding through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, Cedar Biotech initiated a series of field tests to demonstrate that Cedar Leaf Oil Vapour (CLOV) can offer commercial poultry producers and processors with a cost-effective biosecurity tool.

According to Kelly Crosby, president and founder of Cedar Biotech, the project trials were successful in demonstrating that their patented CLOV diffuser significantly reduced both airborne and surface bacteria and viruses, including Salmonella and E. colicontamination.

“We’ve now validated the potential of CLOV to reduce chicken mortality rates, improve grower returns, help producers become antibiotic-free and decrease the use of harmful chemicals,” says Crosby, adding that the cost to install and operate the system is offset by the premium paid for antibiotic-free chicken.

During a six-week trial, Nutrichick Feed Consulting witnessed the CLOV difference firsthand, with the diffuser applied to its antibiotic-free chicken barn. By the end of the trial, the Abbotsford broiler farm achieved lower mortality and higher average weight than previous trials without CLOV.

“Lowering the birds’ exposure to pathogens is an essential part of growing healthy flocks,” explains Traci Wautier, nutritionist with Nutrichick. “CLOV provides us with an effective alternative to chemical cleaners that has proven to lower mortality and improve performance.”

And when it came to the processing sector, the results were similarly promising.

Crosby selected a local facility with readings of campylobacter detected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency four times over the four months prior to installing the CLOV system. Post-installation, no discernable levels were evident, and the diffuser continues to remain in operation.

“The vapour is able to get into areas which are difficult to clean in equipment as well as providing hourly control,” says Crosby. “This allows poultry processors to control bacteria and fungi which enhances both food safety and product shelf-life.”

The CLOV project has since become an area of considerable interest for the poultry industry, not only within Canada but for other countries anxious to control pathogens from farm to table. Cedar Biotech is currently working with Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to explore the potential of CLOV in controlling H1N1 in its poultry sector.

Funding: $146,000 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a former federal-provincial-territorial initiative (INN319).

November 20, 2018 Innovation Comments Off on A Natural Defense for Poultry Biosecurity

Richmond Enterprise Expands Gummy Empire

In its quest to make nutrition both fun and functional, Herbaland Naturals has evolved into Canada’s largest manufacturer of nutritional gummy products – but as any successful entrepreneur knows, staying on top requires continuous creativity, innovation and an ability to adapt to market trends.

With North American consumer demand of gummy supplements forecasted to continue, Herbaland co-founders Musharaf Syed and Aisha Yang needed a way to differentiate their product line against larger corporate competitors in the crowded nutraceutical industry.

“The US market in particular is highly competitive and demanding of innovations in the gummy product sector, including flexible and green packaging options,” explains Aisha. “We received numerous requests from large US companies for these capabilities and were convinced this was the way to expand.”

Luckily for the family business, the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program was there to help meet that demand. Cost-shared project funding allowed them to purchase and calibrate two pieces of equipment that would secure them a coveted advantage.

With their new dual texture gummy production machine, they can now combine two gummy formulas into a single piece, expand their product range, and use ingredients that are sensitive to air, light, crystallization or other factors without a protective coating.

The new equipment also enables them to design different active ingredients and colors for inside and outside layers, allowing them to offer an enhanced variety of nutritional characteristics tailored to specific client requests.

For Aisha, one of the many benefits the new technology affords is an enhanced relationship with their local network.

“Increasing our volume has increased our purchasing power, allowing us to be more discriminating of suppliers and able to more effectively liaise with local agri-suppliers,” she says, noting that they’re currently working with more than ten local producers as a result of the project.

North of 49 Naturals, for instance, supplies Herbaland with organic cranberry and blueberry powder sourced from farms in Richmond, Abbotsford, Delta and Langley. With the new machinery in place, North of 49 president, Andrew Small is excited to see a steady increase in purchasing from Herbaland.

“It’s great to see the support as we all know we need it to get our local products value-added into new markets!” he says.

And with the addition of a flexible green packaging machine, Herbaland has also emerged as a leader in corporate sustainability, offering one of the only form and seal solutions to fully comply with all commercially-available biodegradable film types.

With increased production, enhanced quality and reduced bottling costs, Herbaland expects these new features to generate at least $2.5 million in additional sales over the next five years and has already hired eight more full-time staff to meet the surge in demand.

“We’ve been receiving lots of positive feedback and orders from our local and overseas customers, including large American nutraceutical companies,” Aisha reports. “We have even embarked on several new projects with GNC Global, expected to generate over one million USD annually.”

And thanks to additional funding delivered by IAF for local and international marketing initiatives, Herbaland has also been able to increase domestic sales by over 400 percent and export revenues by 120 percent between 2016 and 2017.

While excited about the immediate increase in returns, Herbaland is focused on their longer-term vision, determined to become a global leader in the nutraceuticals industry.

“There are not many gummy manufacturing companies that create new and innovative products that will shape the future of the supplement industry—this will be Canada’s first dual texture two active-ingredient gummies that will raise the bar in natural health product markets everywhere,” Aisha predicts.

Funding: $146,223 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a former federal-provincial-territorial initiative for the innovation and export projects (INN285, EX001, EX124, EX253, EX364, EX475); $28,250 committed by the Government of British Columbia for the Buy Local project (BL412).

August 20, 2018 Crops & Value Added, Innovation Comments Off on Richmond Enterprise Expands Gummy Empire

Local Start-up Changes Breakfast in BC

Anyone ever in line at a café or deli knows the familiar sight that fruit and yogurt cups present—what is less common (at least in BC) is a local, organic version of this popular staple.

Fortunately Chilliwack entrepreneur and passionate locavore Jillian Hull decided to fill the gap by undertaking two IAF projects that would help her develop, commercialize and market Jumpstarter, a unique BC product that now boasts mass appeal.

For Hull, the founder and CEO of JillyV’s Enterprises, the ability to access multiple funding sources for each phase of her venture was critical to achieving market success.

Agri-Innovation funding, for instance, enabled the development of the food technology needed to create the freeze/thaw formulation for Jumpstarter, a yogurt-based breakfast product layered with chia, oatmeal and low-sugar fruit compote that is now expanding the JillyV business.

“Being able to distribute nutrient-dense frozen products to vendors who then thaw and serve means we can distribute far beyond our current geographical capacity,” Hull explains.

So far Jumpstarter is the only dairy product in North America offering this feature, an innovation that has fostered broader opportunities not just for Hull but for her local partners and suppliers.

“We use local sources for our yogurt, including Avalon Dairy and Pacific Coast Fruit Products, as well as local distributors for all other products like oatmeal and chia,” she reports, adding they also use a local box manufacturer, refrigerated trucking and storage, and a co-packer in Chilliwack that employs about ten staff to assemble Jumpstarter.

In 2018 alone, Hull estimates the trickle-down effect on many agriculture and food-related industries will surpass $600,000 in increased revenues.

But moving the product to market was only half the battle.

Creating brand recognition in the increasingly competitive “whole meal replacement” category presented the next challenge in the Jumpstarter saga.

After repeatedly dealing with customers unaware of her company’s locale, Hull decided to undertake a local marketing initiative to highlight Jumpstarter as a truly proud BC brand.

“We consider ourselves ‘triple local’ as our product is grown, raised and made here in BC,” says Hull proudly. “Emphasizing this attribute offers a considerable marketing advantage as being ‘Made in BC’ has become synonymous with quality, cleanliness and trustworthiness.”

And thanks to funding for a comprehensive campaign that included online advertising, in-store demonstrations, and upgrades to their website, social media platforms and promotional materials, their sales have more than doubled and they are now available in most major retailers across BC.

“This year alone we added Thrifty Foods, expanded our reach with Safeway, added two new distributors, entered into food service/hotel catering, and have agreements with dozens of smaller retailers from hockey arenas to arts centers and organic grocers,” says Hull, who foresees steady growth and already has several new products in the pipeline.

As with their original product line, Hull plans to continue sourcing local ingredients and is looking forward to adding more BC agri-businesses to their network.

“Local is more than a buzz word or a marketing ploy,” she insists. “It’s a commitment to your community that creates a genuine bond and benefits all members, whether you’re making, selling or eating BC food.”

For more information about innovation funding visit iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/innovation/

Funding: $8,263 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a former federal-provincial-territorial initiative for the innovation project (INN244SP); $24,569 provided by the Government of British Columbia for the Buy Local project (BL293).

July 16, 2018 BC Buy Local, Crops & Value Added, Innovation Comments Off on Local Start-up Changes Breakfast in BC

New BC Product Offers More Nutrition to Diabetics

For Raveen and Shane Kullar, unique needs deserve unique solutions – and fortunately for their Burnaby-based business, finding unique solutions is what IAF is all about!

So when the dynamic duo decided to create an innovative meal replacement drink that diabetic and pre-diabetic consumers can confidently enjoy, we were only too happy to offer project support to pilot, demonstrate and commercialize Zuun Nutrition.

Now after two years and two innovation projects, the Whole Food Meal Replacement is headed for stores this July! For the first time ever, diabetic British Columbians can access a convenient, local, all-natural, whole-food based alternative that can optimize blood sugar and sustain energy when combined with a well-balanced healthy meal plan.

“We’ve managed to utilize a blend of proteins, complex carbohydrates, fiber and omega acids to provide the equivalent of a full meal’s worth of calories and nutrients, including a full serving of fruits and vegetables,” explains Raveen Kullar, adding that the project was deeply personal to him and his family given their own struggle with diabetes.

With their ongoing frustration with carb counting and meal replacement, the Kullars wanted to be the first to develop an effective, all-natural product to help people thrive within the diabetic community.

“We were desperate to find a convenient option that met our nutritional requirements, but the only options we could find were either full of preservatives and fillers or lacking in crucial carbohydrate energy,” Raveen recalls.

Their new power shakes will fill a sizable gap in the market for diabetic consumers, which according to the Canadian Diabetes Association has more than doubled since 2000 (and is expected to increase by another 1.5 million people by 2020).

Soon to be available in chocolate or vanilla at local retailers like Choices Markets (as well as at myzuun.com), Zuun is the only available whole food sourced blend that contains slow and steady releasing complex carbohydrates and a complete protein blend, with healthy fats and high fiber to boot.

“Zuun Nutrition has an optimal glycemic response in the human body,” says Raveen. “It provides rich nutrition and steady carbohydrate energy without hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic effects on blood sugar levels.”

As they approach their launch date, the Kullars credit a number of project activities for enhancing their market prospects, including pilot trials at key retailers and farmers markets, a new website, product packaging and a digital marketing campaign, all of which enabled them to connect with hundreds of retailers interested in listing their product.

Raveen and Shane are especially pleased they were able to secure a contract with a 100 percent BC operated manufacturer that employs well over 150 local residents. If all continues to go well, Raveen is optimistic that this single new product will help support the local economies and small retail business owners throughout BC, as it allows them to carry a product unique from what is currently available in the mass market.

“We are confident that the commercialization of this product will help build BC’s reputation as a leader in health and lifestyle oriented products,” he declares, noting that they are anticipating company expansion and job creation, with potentially new and similarly healthy product lines in the future.

For more information about innovation funding visit iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/innovation/

Funding: $52,245 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a former federal-provincial-territorial initiative. (INN255/INN328)

June 22, 2018 Innovation Comments Off on New BC Product Offers More Nutrition to Diabetics

Innovation Award Winner Creates New Opportunities for Canadian Dairy

And the award goes to…Philip Vanderpol, president and CEO of Vitalus Nutrition! The visionary entrepreneur was honoured with IAF’s 2018 Award of Excellence for Innovation at the Project Showcase in Abbotsford on April 12th.

After seven years of research and a series of IAF projects funded through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, Vanderpol and his team at Vitalus were able to develop the technology to produce a new value-added ingredient from milk permeate that can potentially transform the Canadian dairy industry and enhance consumer health.

While milk permeate is normally a by-product of milk processing that has minimal value, Vanderpol was convinced there was untapped potential and began to pilot a process with the help of Innovation funding. Thus VITAGOS™ was born, a recognized prebiotic fiber created from dairy permeate that now offers food processors a way to enhance the health benefits of infant formulas and other foods, including functional foods, natural health products, sports nutrition products, nutritional bars, dairy products and beverages, fruit drinks, fruit preparations and animal feed.

The VITAGOS™ plant is now the first manufacturer in the Americas of a high-value fraction from dairy permeate, representing an unprecedented opportunity for the dairy and food processing sectors.

“The development and commercialization of this new ingredient will help increase dairy industry returns while enabling food processors to develop new products for digestive health,” explains Vanderpol.

With the launch of the new line, food processors not only have access to VITAGOS™ but to other value-added options such as MPC 85 – the result of another Vitalus-led Innovation project, this low lactose milk protein concentrate offers a protein level of 85 percent while allowing the development of reduced-lactose cheese, yogurt, soups and more.

“IAF has been proud to support the process and product development stages for VITAGOS™, and we are thrilled to celebrate Philip’s leadership in helping the Canadian dairy industry become internationally competitive,” declared IAF director Alistair Johnston as he presented the award.

In addition to Vanderpol, the award selection committee was pleased to recognize two Honorable Mentions – Dr. Victor Lo from the University of British Columbia, for his pioneering efforts to enhance the environmental stewardship of BC dairy farms through the development of a more sustainable manure and nutrient management process; and Silvio Lettrari, owner of Kaslo Sourdough, for introducing the world’s first sourdough pasta to help address the needs of a growing number of consumers with gluten sensitivities and other dietary concerns.

“Having provided the early support to these nominees through federal and provincial Innovation funding, we are especially gratified to witness the incredible achievements that have resulted from these investments,” said Alistair. “These projects represent long-term gains that extend beyond agriculture to impact consumer, environmental and economic health.”

The IAF Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food celebrates BC’s agriculture and agri-food leaders who have implemented specific projects or initiatives leading to economic, environmental or social benefits to British Columbia and the industry in general, or to a specific sector. For more information, visit our Awards page.

Project funding was provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

May 23, 2018 Innovation Comments Off on Innovation Award Winner Creates New Opportunities for Canadian Dairy

Innovation Front & Center at Project Showcase

Leaders from across the industry came together at the 2018 Showcase of BC Projects in Abbotsford to collectively illustrate some of the latest (and greatest!) ideas that offer a bright future for BC agriculture.

The event, held in conjunction with the IAF Annual General Meeting on April 12th, featured exhibits from close to 40 projects funded through IAF that are helping to fuel innovation and market growth in primary production and food processing.

Hedy Dyck, Chief Operating Officer for the BC Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA), was among many funding recipients who have witnessed significant impacts unfold for her sector thanks to project support.

“Showcasing BCLNA’s projects is important to the nursery industry as well as other sectors, as we learn from the diversity of projects and how they can enable industry to move forward to face challenges,” says Hedy. “It is a pleasure to work with IAF to find the pathways to address emerging issues and build a strong and vibrant industry.”

Programs like the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program proved particularly instrumental for a variety of sectors. For Dr. Saber Miresmailli, Founder and CEO of Ecoation Innovative Solutions, Innovation funding played a vital role in his efforts to advance crop health technology. With the development and commercialization of Crop Sense™, a wireless crop health monitoring system, growers can now identify where and when treatment is needed based on plant-generated signals before symptoms arise, significantly reducing crop loss, labour and pesticide applications.

Zuun Nutrition received Innovation funding to develop and commercialize an all-natural diabetic meal replacement drink, while Big Mountain Foods (BMF) accessed support through different funding programs to help expand their product line and grow their business. After developing the unique meat-free and allergy-friendly CauliCrumble Veggie Grounds with the help of Innovation funding, the family business turned to the BC Government’s Buy Local Program and the BC Agrifood & Seafood Export Program to revitalize their brand. The resulting increase in listings, sales and online exposure in both local and international markets is creating more lucrative opportunities for both BMF and their value chain partners in BC.

“With the increased demand we have been able to evolve from a small- to a medium-sized food manufacturer that is creating more jobs and sourcing more local ingredients,” BMF vice president, Jasmine Chamberland explains, noting that BMF has since employed several more full-time staff and now purchase truckloads of local ingredients instead of pallets.

Whether funding research into more sustainable pest control, technology to enhance animal welfare, or moving new products to market, we are proud to support BC’s leaders and innovators as they drive our industry forward one project at a time.

Project funding was provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Funding for the BC Government’s Buy Local Program is provided by the BC Ministry of Agriculture.

April 23, 2018 BC Buy Local, Crops & Value Added, Innovation, Market Development Comments Off on Innovation Front & Center at Project Showcase

Poultry Production Goes Paperless

The first of its kind in Canadian poultry production, the BC Chicken Marketing Board’s new Grower Dashboard is pioneering how BC poultry farms are managed.

While the online system was primarily intended to replace and simplify the Daily Activity Sheet (a federal requirement for all flocks as they move through the production system), it has happily evolved into a single-serve database that promises to improve grower management and enhance industry communication.

“Previously our sector used paper-based reporting and tracking of flocks to adhere to the On-Farm Food Safety, Animal Care and BC Poultry Biosecurity Program requirements,” explains Shawn Mallon, the architect of the dashboard and Manager of Administration with the Board. “The new web-based, mobile-ready platform provides a single point of entry that not only reduces time and waste generated by paper-based reporting, but allows producers to compare data from year-to-year, organize and prepare for audits, and provides real-time access for industry managers to potentially identify issues as soon as they arise in an individual flock.”

With the ability to assess their performance based on past cycles and industry averages, growers can now make more informed management decisions regarding feed consumption, mortality and antimicrobial use.

According to Mallon, the key to the Dashboard’s success lies in industry adoption, which will generate more data for the Board to work with.

“The more growers use the program, the more useful the information will be and the more meaningful the data becomes when looking at industry trends” Mallon emphasizes, adding that this will also enable the Board to develop better and more accurate programming for producers.

One of the first to test the new platform at his broiler farm in Abbotsford, Brad Driediger of Windberry Farms is now a vocal proponent of the Dashboard and echoes the call for broader usage.

“We have a vital tool that will allow for a more coordinated approach in dealing with industry-wide issues such as flock mortality,” he explains. “This type of data isn’t usually captured or reported collectively, making it difficult for the Board to determine either causes or solutions.”

For Driediger, the Dashboard’s ability to facilitate greater industry connection is perhaps its most important feature, allowing him and other growers to receive timely news and notices on their main page.

Over time, the Board anticipates increasing environmental and economic impacts.

“As producers use the program to measure baselines and increase efficiencies, they will be able to optimize feed and the use of other inputs, decreasing waste and increasing returns,” Mallon predicts.

At the moment there is also talk of expanding the dashboard to other members of the value chain, and even nationally through the Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC).

“If CFC adopts the dashboard for all broiler producers in Canada, then they can use their communication resources to launch the dashboard to the other provincial Boards,” says Mallon. “Other poultry commodities would find this dashboard useful, as well as hatcheries and processors, which would further enhance industry traceability and efficiency.”

Funding: $33,641 provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. (INN200)

April 12, 2018 Innovation Comments Off on Poultry Production Goes Paperless
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