Saskatoon, SK (Prairies Economic Development Canada) (November 12, 2021) – As demand continues to increase around the world for food products, Saskatchewan is in a unique position to be a world leader in the challenge of feeding a growing global population and would further benefit from an increase of agri-food exports that totalled almost $17 billion in 2020. The Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP), a not-for-profit organization established by Ag-West Bio (AWB), the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan, Innovation Place and the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (Food Centre), is helping early-stage companies in the agri-food sector take advantage of this opportunity.
The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced funding of $1.5 million to support GAAP in its efforts to assist agri-food companies advancing their technologies to market adoption. GAAP provides promising firms with access to facilities, training, mentorship, concierge services and investment. This funding is being delivered through PrairiesCan in Saskatchewan under the Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE) program.
Early-stage funding is critical to allow ground-breaking ideas to become innovative technologies with real market impact. This strengthens Canada’s position in the global economy as an innovation leader addressing the reality of finite resources in global food production. Today’s investment in GAAP supports agri-food innovation in the Prairie provinces and increases Canada’s competitive position in international markets by bringing together new and existing innovation resources, increasing access to capital, and assisting agri-food start-ups.
GAAP will provide early-stage agri-food technology companies with support, including:
“The Government of Canada recognizes the immense potential for Saskatchewan to become an even stronger global leader in the agri-food industry and to benefit from the economic advantages of a growing global demand for food products. By helping early stage Saskatchewan agri-food companies to innovate and address the challenges that start-ups can face, we’re ensuring that they can capitalize on growth opportunities, increase their competitiveness, and create high-quality jobs that people in Saskatchewan can rely on.”
- The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
“When the partners set out to create the Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP), we saw a void in capital in Western Canada’s agri-food space. Combining the fund with our extensive network of business experts and world-class infrastructure is what makes GAAP truly unique. We are proud to be supporting cutting-edge technology companies through to adoption, and in turn help the sector be more competitive on the global stage.”
- Jay Robinson, interim Chief Executive Officer, Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership and Chief Operating Officer, Ag-West Bio Inc.