‘Farming 4.0’ and the Future of Agriculture’ discussed at Experimental Farm, November 16

CRecord staff

ompton-stanstead MP and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-claude Bibeau, has invited the community to a seminar about new technologies that will revolutionize the world of agriculture in the coming decades.

This event is offered in collaboration with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, part of the National Research Council Canada, a Federal resource promoting innovation.

The seminar will explore ‘Agriculture 4.0’ and will feature presentations from experts, testimonials from business owners, and discussions about ‘smart’ farming technologies (geomatics for precision farming, vertical farming, the Internet of Things (IOT), big data, and driverless tractors). Among other things, these digital tools make it possible to foresee and increase yields, as well as to reduce production costs while protecting the environment. New business opportunities in the bio-food industry in the region will also be among the topics addressed. At the end of the day, refreshments will be served during an informal discussion period with the eight guest speakers and Mme Bibeau.

One way of growing the economy and strengthening the middle class is to support the agricultural sector, which is made up of many family farms and, through programs such as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership or through training and networking such as this initiative, the government is demonstrating our commitment to strengthen the agricultural, agri-food and agri-based products sector.

“This is a great opportunity to meet and interact with stakeholders who support the development of our biofood industry while discovering innovative ways to improve the competitiveness and resilience of our agricultural businesses,” Bibeau says. “We’re preparing for tomorrow’s economy."

The seminar tales place Thursday afternoon, November 16, from 1:15 to 5:30 p.m. Registration begins at 12:45 p.m.) at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre of Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, (the Experimental Farm), Pavilion Sévigny (red building), at 2000 Collège St., in the Sherbrooke borough of Lennoxville.

The event is cost=free but prospective attendees are asked to confirm their presence by email at marieclaude.bibeau@parl.gc.ca or by phone at 819-347-2598.